Some are saying that Janelle Monae might be talking about her own sexuality in her new song, "Q.U.E.E.N." But writer Andreana Clay of Queer Black Feminist writes that she'd rather focus on Monae's self-proclaimed status of being an oddball.
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Some have begun to speculate that this song may be about her (queer) sexuality, which may be true, and that's ok. But, I'm more interested in the ways her freak status is about weaving in a politic that is specific to this generation, her generation, our (hip-hop) generation(s). This is most exemplified in the rap lyrics at the end of the song. Some surprise as in, "I'm tired of Marvin asking me 'What's Going On;" while otherschallenge "Categorize me, I defy every label;" and my favorite —as a Missouri girl with roots deep—stays grounded, "Gimme me back my pyramid, I'm tryna free Kansas City." Those lyrics, that (brown girl) insurgency explored through a simultaneous connection and refusal to be pinned down are indicative of the margins many of us have have been relegated to. Have celebrated in. Created alliances through. Where we've landed and where our true possibilities lie. As Lorde states, Monáe gives a nod to "those of us who stand outside the circle of this society’s definition of acceptable women; those of us who have been forged in the crucibles of difference." Whether it's because of our sexuality, our political stances, our backgrounds, or our hairstyle, what we have forged on our bodies and in our collaborations are the tools, the communities we depend on. Not throwing out one piece in favor of or deference to another.
Read Andreana Clay's entire piece at Queer Black Feminist.
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