Janelle Monáe—the self-proclaimed part-human, “part-android” who’s as inscrutable as she is mesmerizing—released a new rose-tinged music video for her single “PYNK” on Tuesday.
Featuring Grimes, the song is an upbeat celebration of feminine power. The video explodes with shades of pink in many forms, from grapefruits to cats to donuts. But people zeroed in on one image in particular.
It’s Monáe, clad in pants that are unmistakenly meant to look like labia.
Cause of death: the single artwork for ‘Pynk’ by Janelle Monáe. pic.twitter.com/ZtkF4iHlqn
— Sam Prance (@samprance) April 10, 2018
Who wore it better? janelle monae or me in college? pic.twitter.com/9fy44Brb3N
— Rosa (@humancomedian) April 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/williambgoss/status/983756814494904321
It gets better: At one point in the video, Tessa Thompson peaks out between Monae’s pink, ruffly legs. The shot boosted speculation that Monáe and the actress are dating.
The world: I mean we don’t KNOW that Janelle and/or Tessa are queer and/or together.
— AB (@AlannaBennett) April 10, 2018
Janelle Monae: Here is a video in which Tessa literally peers out from my vagina. pic.twitter.com/1OHWh7t8az
https://twitter.com/ethiopienne/status/983759574409891841
Us a couple of months ago: omg do you think Janelle Monae and Tessa Thompson are dating
— Kendra (@kendrawcandraw) April 10, 2018
Janelle now: pic.twitter.com/f8Bt2qyJr5
https://twitter.com/korrahasami/status/983747132812214272
In general, the video and its imagery are being hailed as a symbol of queer friendship and (maybe) love.
https://twitter.com/alyciasgold/status/983754451642142725
https://twitter.com/carolineframke/status/983745456680431616
TESSA POPPING HER HEAD THROUGH JANELLE’S LEGS SCREAMING SCREAMING SCREAMING
— Rachel Vorona Cote (@RVoronaCote) April 10, 2018
And like a glass of pink lemonade on a sweltering summer day, it’s just what we needed.
https://twitter.com/gabydunn/status/983762064324755456
