Janelle Monáe, the talented star of Glass Onion, has received widespread acclaim for her boldness and vulnerability in a striking Rolling Stone cover photo where she embraces going topless.
In the June 2023 issue of the renowned magazine, the 37-year-old actor, who identifies with she/her and they/them pronouns, radiantly adorned the cover. Described as 'freer than ever' in the captivating tagline, she captivated readers with her presence.
As Monáe gears up for the release of their upcoming album, titled The Age of Pleasure, on June 9th, their recent feature coincides with a significant milestone in their life—a transformative shift in their entire lifestyle.

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources including friends hailing from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, the Caribbean, Atlanta, L.A., and Chicago, Monáe's upcoming album aims to authentically capture the essence of their experiences. Prior to its highly anticipated release, the artist expressed their desire for the music to resonate deeply and reflect their personal journey.
"I used to consider myself a futurist. I know what that means, to obsess about the next thing. A present tourist is what I'm calling myself right now. I'm actively focusing on being present," she said.
Embracing her authenticity entails granting herself the freedom to be uninhibited, a sensation that Janelle Monáe undoubtedly experiences when her body is not concealed but instead allowed to be fully visible.
"I'm much happier when my t**ties are out and I can run around free," they told Rolling Stone.
On the magazine cover, Monáe fearlessly embraced their sense of liberation, utilizing their hands to elegantly conceal their nipples while maintaining a captivating gaze slightly above the camera.
The singer and actor took to Instagram to share the photo, expressing their gratitude with a simple yet heartfelt message of 'THANK YOU' to everyone who played a part in bringing it to fruition.
Fans have enthusiastically lauded the cover, showering it with widespread acclaim and admiration. One fan expressed their support, commenting, "Love everything they're doing."
In addition, one fan went as far as proclaiming Monáe's photo as the 'finest' Rolling Stone cover since 1973, while another enthusiast took it a step further, expressing: "This really might be the best cover in their history, which is really saying something."
Numerous fans enthusiastically described the cover as 'perfect', although it is a term that Janelle Monáe herself shares a complex relationship with.
During an interview with the podcast TransLash, Monáe candidly revealed their self-diagnosis of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder): "I started to have this unhealthy relationship with being perfect, so that nobody would leave me."
During the cover interview, Monáe expressed that she has acquired the knowledge and skills to self-coach herself in case the issue resurfaces. Additionally, they revealed that they seek assistance from an emotional support coach to provide further support.
In a candid conversation, Monáe shared her willingness to openly discuss aspects of her life, including her "identity" and "sexuality," embracing conversations about "all things Janelle Monáe." However, there remains one facet she desires to keep private: her love life.
"It's not necessary," she said.
The star evidently possesses a clear understanding of their personal boundaries, and their fans wholeheartedly appreciate and respect it.