Awards show de-genders category in honor of nonbinary icon Janelle Monáe

Nonbinary icon Janelle Monáe inspired an awards show to de-gender one of its categories. At the 2023 Soul Train Awards, Monáe was awarded the “Spirit of Soul” award, which was formerly called the “Lady of Soul” award.

“For the first time ever, the award show renames its iconic ‘Lady of Soul’ category to honor the diversity and inclusivity of this year’s recipient,” stated a press release. “They are a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of music, film, fashion, and advocacy. A champion for the LGBTQIA+ community and advocate for mental health awareness, Janelle Monáe defies stereotypes and pushes boundaries with their chart-topping music and captivating on-screen roles.”

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In their acceptance speech, Monáe said their “spirit is lighter” today than it used to be and emphasized how important it was for them to be there celebrating Black artists’ success.

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“I cannot help but think about the spirits of so many who’ve had to whisper to me, ‘Thank you.’ Thank you in my ear, whispering thank you because they did not feel seen, they did not feel safe, and they felt unheard for far too long.”

They then thanked “the spirit of Prince,” who they said taught them, “I’m not a woman, I’m not a man. I am something that you’ll never understand,” a quote from Prince’s song, I Would Die 4 U.

Monáe concluded, “As we continue as a people to fight against the systemic injustices and abuses of power that have gone unchallenged for way too… I ask us all to please let the spirit of love use you, let the spirit of kindness use you, let the spirit of empathy use you, let the spirit of peace be your guide always and forever, and may our spirits guide us towards creating a safe and equitable place for our people.”

Monáe officially came out as nonbinary in 2022.

“I’m nonbinary, so I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely,” they said on Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith. “I feel all of my energy. I feel like God is so much bigger than the ‘he’ or the ‘she.’”

“And if I am from God, I am everything. I am everything. But I will always, always stand with women. I will always stand with Black women. But I just see everything that I am. Beyond the binary.”

Monáe has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Last year, they released The Memory Librarian, their debut short story collection, which was developed, in part, to protest book-banning efforts nationwide. 

They also said their 2018 album Dirty Computer was their reaction to hearing people in their family say, “All gay people are going to hell.”

“I want young girls, young boys, nonbinary, gay, straight, queer people who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality, dealing with feeling ostracized or bullied for just being their unique selves, to know that I see you,” they said.