Janelle Monáe’s masculine wardrobe, consisting of a black suit, tie, and saddle shoes, has some questioning her sexuality. Music’s newest darling is addressing the rumors.


Since capturing the nation’s attention with her critically-acclaimed album The ArchAndroid, the sci-fi singer has had to face scrutiny about whether she prefers to date men or women, but she won’t give a straight answer. “The lesbian community has tried to claim me,” she tells Rolling Stone. “But I only date androids. Nothing like an android—they don’t cheat on you.”

For those wondering why she chooses to dress the way she does, Monáe has a perfectly good explanation. “I call it my ‘uniform,’” she says. “My mother was a janitor and my father collected trash, so I wear a uniform too.”

She hopes her original look will inspire other women to embrace their individuality. “I’m trying to open doors for girls who look like myself and have been told they can’t sing about this or that.”

It seems to be working because she has many supporters, including one famous fan in the White House. “People that worked in his campaign have told us he is very aware of me,” Monáe coyly reveals about President Obama. “He’s a fan.”