Janelle Monáe Speaks on the Stonewall Riots and Chosen Family
July 10, 2019It’s been a little over a year since musician, actor, and activist Janelle Monáe kicked down the closet door, and probably became the most well-known pansexual ever. Since then, she’s leaned even more into authenticity, using her platform at every turn to discuss how the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting for equality.
On June 24, the Electric Lady launched a limited-edition bottle with Belvedere Vodka at The Shed in New York City. With this partnership, Monáe is challenging everyone to imagine a “Beautiful Future” with the pillars of equality, diversity, and self-expression. The launch event drew notables like Angelica Ross, Christian Siriano, Nico Tortorella, and Dascha Polanco.
“What drew us to Janelle is that she’s an iconoclast. She’s herself and she’s going to do it her way,” Rodney Williams, president of Belvedere Vodka, told Out. “I think what endears us to her is her courage to not just encourage other people, but to share her own story and very personal journey about identity. It’s moving, it’s inspiring. Janelle champions voices that are not always heard and should be.”