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Beyoncé Dedicates New Album Renaissance to Her Gay Uncle Jonny
"Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long."
Queen Bey is about to enter a new era, and she's dedicating it to her godmother, Uncle Jonny, and "all of the pioneers who originate culture."
As we get closer and closer to the release of Beyonce's upcoming seventh album, Renaissance, we're finding out more info about the record. Now we know who she's dedicating the album to, and that includes her gay uncle.
The new album contains an open letter from Beyonce, where she dedicates Renaissance to her children, her husband, and her family as well as LGBTQ+ "pioneers."
"A big thank you to my Uncle Jonny," the letter reads. "He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album. Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you."
\u201cHere is a special message from Beyonc\u00e9. #RENAISSANCE\n\nDedicated to her children, her husband, her family, her Godmother Uncle Johnny, and to the LGBTQ+ community and all of the pioneers who originated the culture and the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized.\u201d— BEYONC\u00c9 LEGION (@BEYONC\u00c9 LEGION) 1659018435
Last month, the singer released the disco bop "Break My Soul" with Big Freedia, getting fans excited for a new era of dance music. Renaissance is said to feature both dance and country-leaning tracks.
Beyonce had previously thanked her uncle when she and her husband, Jay-Z, were honored with the GLAAD Vanguard Award for allyship in 2019.
"He was brave and unapologetic during a time when this country wasn't as accepting. Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I've ever lived," she said. "I'm hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights."
She also talked about how her mom and Uncle Jonny designed and made most of the clothes she wore early in her career. "My mother and my Uncle Jonny, God bless his soul, designed all of our first costumes and made each piece by hand, individually sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into every small detail," she said.
Beyonce closed out her open letter for Renaissance with a message for her fans. "I hope you find joy in this music," she said. "I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are."
Renaissance comes out Friday.
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Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.
Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.
