10. Janelle Monáe

I figured we had to feature one modern icon on this list, and so of course I chose none other than the amazing Janelle Monáe. She is a supremely talented singer and actor who has spoken out against racism, sexism, and prejudice against the LGBT+ community, even before she declared herself a member. 

Just last year, alongside the release of new music, Janelle publicly came out as pansexual, a more modern term that means that her sexual attraction can include all genders, sexes, and identities. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she said, “Being a queer black woman in America, someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – I consider myself to be a free-a** motherf*****." If those aren’t words to live by, then I don’t know what is. 

She has gotten a lot of attention and appreciation for her close relationship with actor Tessa Thompson, who herself identifies as queer. Thompson confirmed in June that they are together, though along with a few comments such as “We love each other deeply”, but she won’t say much else. You can also see them together in Janelle Monae’s music video for “PYNK”. 

We are wishing everyone a great LGBT History Month, and want everyone to continue being proud of who you are. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from being you!