Janelle Monae Suggests Women Should be Celibate for Respect

Withholding sex in order to get a man to do something? This concept isn't new, but Janelle Monáe is proposing celibacy for a much bigger cause. The 31-year-old actress and singer revealed in a new interview that until every man is fighting women's rights, she believes ladies should hold off on having sex.

"People have to start respecting the vagina," she told Marie Claire for their "Fresh Faces" issue. "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."

The "Hidden Figures" actress also explained why she chose this proposal and reiterated the importance of women being able to recognize their own worth and power.

"[Evil men] don't deserve to be in my presence," she continued. "If you're going to own this world and this is how 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 year, I am so carefree black girl."

Monáe's proposition mimics Aristophane's classic Greek comedy "Lysistrata," where the title character attempts to end the Peloponnesian War by convincing her fellow Greek women to withhold sex from men until they sign a peace treaty. Her cunning plan aimed to take advantage of the men's desire, and the play is notable for its early exploration of a woman's role in a male-dominated society.

Source: nydailynews.com