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Pansexual

Searches for the Definition of 'Pansexual' Spike After Janelle Monae's Coming Out

Searches for the Definition of 'Pansexual' Spike After Janelle Monae's Coming Out

Her impact!

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In an inspirational interview with Rolling Stone yesterday, Janelle Monae came out as both queer and pansexual.

"Being a queer black woman in America," the 32-year-old began, "someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – I consider myself to be a free-ass motherfucker."

Monáe initially identified as bisexual, so she clarifies, "but then later I read about pansexuality and was like, ‘Oh, these are things that I identify with too.' I'm open to learning more about who I am."

After the interview went viral, lookups of the word pansexual on Merriam Webster rose 11,000% and the term became the most searched word of the day.

So what exactly does it mean? 

"Of, relating to, or characterized by sexual desire or attraction that is not limited to people of a particular gender identity or sexual orientation.”

The term entered the English language in the early 20th century, although it originally meant “tending to suffuse all experience and conduct with erotic feeling.”

Twitter applauded Monae for this uptick in visibility:

30 Years of Out100Out / Advocate Magazine - Jonathan Groff and Wayne Brady

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Taylor Henderson

Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one! 

Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!