Janelle Monáe Calls Out ‘Bullies’ in Bold Speech at Human Rights Campaign Dinner
Janelle Monáe made it crystal clear where they stand when it comes to injustice—especially when it targets the LGBTQ+ community.
During a powerful speech at the Human Rights Campaign’s Los Angeles dinner on Saturday (March 22), the Grammy-nominated artist accepted the Equality Award with a call to action—and a not-so-subtle jab at President Donald Trump.
“Bullies only win when we let them think they can,” Monáe told the audience at the Fairmont Century Plaza. “Here’s the truth: bullying doesn’t stop when we grow up. It doesn’t end when we leave school. It just gets bigger. It rebrands itself. The bully gets elected president.”
Though Monáe never mentioned Trump by name, the crowd instantly recognized the target. Over the years, Trump’s administration has pushed forward several anti-LGBTQ+ policies, significantly affecting transgender and nonbinary communities—groups Monáe has long championed.
Just last week, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes blocked Trump’s executive order banning transgender people from enlisting or serving in the military.
“Its language is unabashedly demeaning, its policy stigmatizes transgender persons as inherently unfit, and its conclusions bear no relation to fact,” she wrote.
A longtime advocate for queer liberation and gender inclusivity, Monáe used their moment in the spotlight to spotlight others, pledging allegiance to those often left out of the mainstream narrative.
“Let’s make it clear. We will challenge the giant,” the “Pynk” singer declared, urging the audience to stand firm against policies and politicians that dehumanize marginalized people.
Monáe’s speech was just one of many moments that evening where honorees and speakers used their platforms to support the LGBTQ+ community.
