(Images by Justin French for them.)

Janelle Monáe is them.'s first cover girl — the them. of which we speak is Condé Nast's new LGBTQ+ brand. Keep reading for quotes from the interview, conducted by Lizzo ...

The Dirty Computer artist speaks about her music and her place in entertainment and queer politics, also providing these words for those struggling with their sexual orientation/the coming-out process:

Don't allow yourself to feel any pressure other than the pressure you put on you. And I think there's so much power in not labeling yourself. That said, there's also power in saying "This is how I identify,” and having community with the folks you identify with. Everyone is on a journey of self-discovery, and those of us who may not understand others’ journeys should be more empathetic and tolerant and supportive. A big thing for me is just being patient with myself, and not allowing myself to make decisions based in fear, or a fear of people not understanding me. And it's hard. You go through experiences where you feel fearful, and you end up being depressed, or having anxiety, and not taking care of you. But that fear should not get in the way of how you love or who you love.

Janelle's full cover story here.