Arts & Entertainment
Janelle Monáe celebrates the female anatomy in ‘Pynk’ music video
Actress Tessa Thompson also makes an appearance

Janelle Monáe in ‘Pynk’ (Screenshot via YouTube)
Janelle Monáe dropped the music video for her latest single “Pynk,” an anthem that celebrates womanhood of all types.
The video features Monáe and her backup dancers wearing labia pants that represent the female anatomy.
“Pink like the inside of your, baby (we’re all just pink) / Pink like the walls and the doors, maybe (deep inside, we’re all just pink) / Pink like your fingers in my, maybe / Pink is the truth you can’t hide,” Monáe sings on the track.
Actress Tessa Thompson, who also appears in the video, tweeted that the video is also meant to include and celebrate the transgender community.
to all the black girls that need a monologue that don’t have Vaginas, I’m listening https://t.co/pyjStgkDKu
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) April 10, 2018
Monáe also tweeted that the video represents all women.
Thank you to the incomparable & brilliant @TessaThompson_x for helping celebrate US (no matter if you have a vagina or not) all around the world ! We see you . We celebrate you . I owe you my left arm T . Xx ??#PYNK? https://t.co/cUNgeWk52I
— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) April 11, 2018
Thompson and Monáe are rumored to be a couple but neither of them has confirmed their relationship status. Thompson also appeared in Monáe’s previous music video “Make Me Feel,” as the singer’s female love interest.
“Pynk,” which also features Grimes on the track, is the third single from Monáe’s upcoming album “Dirty Computer.”
Fans have been praising the video for its LGBT themes and allusion to Thompson and Monáe’s possible relationship.
Janelle Monae music video PYNK this is a queer masterpiece pic.twitter.com/9GNhuqZBKf
— Han (@alyciasgold) April 10, 2018
janelle monae for the last 10 years: my sexual orientation? dont u mean androids & revolution?
janelle monae now: this entire song is about tessa thompson eating my pussy— Ph⌬ebe (@queerengineered) April 10, 2018
Us a couple of months ago: omg do you think Janelle Monae and Tessa Thompson are dating
Janelle now: pic.twitter.com/f8Bt2qyJr5— Kendra ? (@kendrawcandraw) April 10, 2018
janelle monae and tessa thompson did THAT pic.twitter.com/gNlCRe17tj
— steph | this is a gays only event, go home!1!!1! (@korrahasami) April 10, 2018
Watch below.
Out & About
Come showcase your singing, poetry talent
Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13
Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.
Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite.
Friday, July 31
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Happy Hour” at 7 p.m. at DIK Bar. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Saturday, August 1
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Sunday, August 2
“Black Gay Flea: Summer Kickback” will be at 12 p.m. at Wunder Garten. This is a space created to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ creatives, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and the community that shows up for them. Come spend the afternoon shopping with local vendors, discovering new brands, supporting small businesses, and connecting with people from across the DMV. More details are on Eventbrite.
Monday, August 3
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, August 4
The DC Anti-Violence Project will host “Soul Centered” at 7 p.m. at Thurst Lounge. This is not a dating event in the traditional sense. It is a space to meet kindred spirits, future collaborators, mentors, friends, or maybe someone who reminds you of what’s possible. Romance may happen, but it’s not the expectation. For more details, visit DCAVP website.
Wednesday, August 5
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Center Aging Women’s Social & Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. To register, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Thursday, August 6
The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the Center. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s website.
Celebrity News
Madonna to perform at World Pride in Amsterdam
‘Confessions II’ album released earlier this month to rave reviews
Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key will be on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10. They will be covering World Pride in Amsterdam.
AMSTERDAM — Madonna on Saturday will perform at World Pride in Amsterdam.
She is scheduled to appear alongside Stuart Price, Honey Dijon, and other “special guests” at the World Pride Music Festival at AFAS Live concert hall. The Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade will take place earlier on Saturday.
MISTR, a telehealth platform that offers free access to PrEP, Doxy PEP, STI testing, and long-term HIV care, is organizing Madonna’s performance.
Madonna on July 2 released her new album, “Confessions II,” to rave reviews.
She appeared at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., in April. Madonna in June celebrated Pride month with a pop-up performance in New York’s Times Square.
“Everyone here is a work of art,” says the World Pride Music Festival performance poster, referring to a line from “Danceteria” on “Confessions II.”
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