Janelle Monae Suggests Women Go on Sex Strike: ‘People Have to Start Respecting the Vagina’
Janelle Monae offered some advice for addressing misogyny in society--and it's drawing some befuddled responses online.
Billboard reports that in a new interview with Marie Claire, the acclaimed singer and actress talked about societal issues facing women in 2017 and says that she believes women should be willing to go on sex strike until men are pushing for women's rights.
“People have to start respecting the vagina,” said Monae. “Until every man is fighting for our rights, we should consider stopping having sex. I love men. But evil men? I will not tolerate that. You don’t deserve to be in my presence. If you’re going to rule this world, I am not going to contribute anymore until you change it.”
"We have to realize our power and our magic. Because I am all about black-girl magic, even though I’m standing with all women. But this year? This yeah, I am so carefree black girl.”
Monae's statements recall the famous classical Greek comedy Lysistrata; about women who sought to end the Peloponnesian War by denying men any sex. The play was the inspiration for Spike Lee's controversial 2015 film Chi-Raq.
"I love Janelle Monae but a sex strike not doing shit for either party," tweeted one fan. "Janelle Monae can keep that strike. Soon as I get in a comitted dating situation Im getting dat d---," bluntly tweeted another.
Back in January, Monae performed at the Women's March on Washington. At the March, Monae paid tribute to her late grandmother and mother, and performed her song “Hell You Talmbout,” which was dedicated to Sandra Bland.
Check out some of the Twitter reactions to Janelle's interview below: