Janelle Monae received quite an honor at this year’s Soul Train Awards! The Artist Formerly Known As: The Electric Lady has been super vocal about her journey of self discovery, which has landed her viewing the primary of gender from the outside, looking in.
Monae uses she/her/they/them pronouns, adding to her uniqueness that she is loved and respected for. This is why it was very monumental that Soul Train honored the singer by renaming their #LadyOfSoul Award to the #SpiritOfSoul Award and presenting her with the show’s highest honor.
As a recipient, Janelle Monáe is pioneering the inclusion of other queer and non-binary people in these awards shows.
Monaé’s acceptance speech provided a bit more context and texture to an already pivotal moment in the show’s culture:
“I’m thankful for the spirit of prince who taught me “I’m not a woman I’m not a man I am something that you’ll never understand”.
I’m thankful for the spirit of Nina Simone who reminds me that my job as an artist is “to reflect the times.” The spirit of grace jones who encourages me to remain a “free azz mothafucka”.
The spirit of Earth Wind and Fire for reminding me “if there ain’t no Beauty make some beauty”.
The spirit of Stevie wonder who reminds me “love is still in need of love today”.
So today I ask us all to pls Let the spirit of love use you. Let the spirit of kindness use us. Let the spirit of empathy use you. Let the spirit of peace be your guide. May our spirits guide us towards creating a safe and equitable place for our people. Let it be guided towards joy. Let the spirit use you baby!”
Congratulations, Janelle! #BWLM💕
