In honor of September’s National Suicide Prevention Month, LGBTQ+ advocacy group, The Trevor Project has named their second recipient of their 2022 Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award—Janelle Monae!
The prestigfious award recognizes “influential public figures for their unwavering commitment to LGBTQ mental health awareness.”
As a Grammy-nominated musician, actor and author Monáe has used their wide platform to openly discuss LGBTQ+ mental health in the US as well as sharing their own struggles with depression and anxiety.
“Growing up queer and Black in a religious household, I faced a lot of challenges trying to understand my identity and where I fit in as someone who always felt beyond the binary. We, as LGBTQ folks, as people of color, are a powerful and unstoppable community,” said Monae when accepting the award.
“I want every young queer person out there to know that I see you, you are beautiful in all of your forms, and you are never, ever alone in this world. As someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety, prioritizing and protecting your mental health is everything,” they continued.
“Amazing organizations like The Trevor Project have got your back, and I will personally continue to advocate for you and celebrate you always. No matter what you’re going through, your life matters so much — don’t let anyone try to dim your light. Thank you to The Trevor Project for this incredible honor and for all that you do to support LGBTQ young people.”
Josh Weaver, Vice President of Marketing at The Trevor Project explained why Monae was a perfect candidate for the award, saying, "Throughout their career, Janelle has been a trailblazer who constantly challenges the status quo – from their depictions of queer love in their music videos, to their iconic, gender nonconforming style, they continue to redefine the rules around how LGBTQ and BIPOC people can navigate through life."
Monáe came out to fans as pansexual in a 2018 Rolling Stone cover story, telling the outlet they are “open to learning more about who I am.”
However, in April 2022, they confirmed during an appearance on Facebook Watch’s “Red Table Talk” that they identify as nonbinary.
“I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely,” Monáe told hosts Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris. “I feel all of my energy.”
The “Make Me Feel” singer follows fellow artist Lil Nas X, who received the same award and recognition in 2021.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386
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