• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Janelle Monae says response to coming out as pansexual has 'been beautiful'

2:33
Janelle Monae on playing NASA's 1st black female engineer
Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images
ByKen Simmons and Michael Rothman
October 26, 2018, 1:37 PM

Six months after coming out as pansexual, Janelle Monae said she has no regrets, and is happy about the positive response she’s received.

"It’s been beautiful," the star told People magazine.

"I think that it’s been a very warm and loving time for all of us who are walking in our truths," Monae told the magazine. "And I’ve always hoped, by sharing my stories, that people will feel more comfortable walking in their truths. And feel like it’s not a heavy burden, you know -- that you do have support."

Related Articles

(MORE: Janelle Monae reveals she's pansexual, says she's a 'queer black woman')

The 32-year-old entertainer is enjoying success in music and film, including winning a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in "Hidden Figures."

For her next movie, Monae is voicing the character of Peg in the live-action film "Lady and the Tramp." The cast also features her close friend, Tessa Thompson, who appeared in her music videos for "Dirty Computer," and "Make Me Feel."

Janelle Monae at 92nd Street Y, Oct. 16, 2018, in New York.
Dominik Bindl/Getty Images

"Tessa is an exceptional actress, first of all," Monae said. "To have her on the Dirty Computer project as my friend and someone I respect as a black woman in this industry was a dream."

Monae also appears in the movie "Welcome to Marwen," opening in December, and is now shooting a Harriet Tubman biopic.

In April, Monae told Rolling Stone that after initially identifying as bi-sexual, she "read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.' I'm open to learning more about who I am."

Up Next in Culture—

What to know about esophagitis after Kim Kardashian reveals diagnosis in new 'Kardashians' trailer

September 18, 2026

Millie Bobby Brown appears to welcome 2nd baby, shares new photo

September 18, 2026

Duncan Sheik, Tony Award-winning composer, dies at 56

September 18, 2026

LSU, Ole Miss set for massive rivalry game amid Lane Kiffin drama

September 18, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your Privacy Choices
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Your Privacy Choices— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News