Janelle Monae on supporting gay rights

Gearing up to play Arthur's Day on September 26 and speaking to Ed Power in the new issue of Hot Press (out today), Janelle Monae opened up about the pride she felt appearing on the cover of lesbian publication Diva.

"I see a lot of parallels between black people and [gay] people. I see my responsibility to not only be a musician but to speak on behalf of those who are marginalised and don't have the rights or the voices. People who are killed or arrested or fired their jobs. I see a connection between being a woman and being 'an android'."

Monae explains that she uses the word 'android' as a metaphor for 'the other' – whether that be black people, gays, women or any oppressed minority.

The R&B star, whose new album The Electric Lady was released this week, also talked about how thrilled she was to perform at the White House.

"I felt it was very important that I form a relationship with the President and the First Lady. Getting that first invitation, I was pinching myself. I didn't know they were aware of me. 'Tightrope' was the song the First Lady and the President enjoy. I got to go there four times."

For more with the Kansas City singer, pick up the new issue of Hot Press (Emeli Sandé cover), on sale now.