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FROM RAP-UP: Janelle Monáe’s masculine wardrobe, consisting of a black suit, tie, and saddle shoes, has some questioning her sexuality. Music’s newest darling is addressing the rumors.

Since capturing the nation’s attention with her critically-acclaimed album The ArchAndroid, the sci-fi singer has had to face scrutiny about whether she prefers to date men or women, but she won’t give a straight answer.

She tells Rolling Stone,

“The lesbian community has tried to claim me. But I only date androids. Nothing like an android—they don’t cheat on you.”

For those wondering why she chooses to dress the way she does, Monáe has a perfectly good explanation.

“I call it my ‘uniform.’ My mother was a janitor and my father collected trash, so I wear a uniform too.”

She hopes her original look will inspire other women to embrace their individuality.

“I’m trying to open doors for girls who look like myself and have been told they can’t sing about this or that.”

VIDEO: Janelle Monae’s Coca-Cola Commercial

NEW VIDEO: Janelle Monae, B.O.B. & Lupe Fiasco’s “Tightrope”

For 2024’s iteration of MadameNoire and HelloBeautiful’s annual series Women to Know, we knew we wanted to celebrate the people who help make the joys of film and television possible. To create art is to create magic. This year, we spotlight Hollywood Executive’s changing the face of cinema.