WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PANSEXUAL?

For nearly a decade, singer Janelle Monae has managed to maintain the mystery of her sexual preference. That is until last February when the Covergirl-endorsed performer released a new video (“Make Me Feel”), starring her and actress Tessa Thompson (Creed) engaging rather intimately. Rumors sparked of a bisexual relationship between Monae and Thompson. That is until, in a recent Rolling Stone interview, the singer revealed that she identifies sexually as Pansexual.

“I want young girls, young boys, non-binary, gay, straight, queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality, dealing with feeling ostracized or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you,” she said.

The term immediately lit a fire of curiosity, even setting a Search Engine record. Monae isn’t the first entertainer to come out as Pansexual. In 2016, Miley Cyrus came out under the same umbrella.

So what exactly does it mean to be Pansexual? Well, we’ll say this: It’s not interchangeable with Bisexuality.  For a clearer definition, read this US Today article.