Introduction to Lorde’s Journey
Lorde has opened up about her gender identity in a recent cover story with Rolling Stone. The singer-songwriter revealed that she had a discussion about gender with Chappell Roan, an artist who has become one of her close friends. When asked how she identified, Lorde shared a thoughtful and nuanced response.
Exploring Gender Identity
Lorde mentioned that Chappell Roan asked her if she was non-binary, and she replied, "I am a woman except for the days when I am a man." She acknowledged that this answer may not be satisfactory, but she is resistant to being boxed in. Lorde still identifies as a cis woman and uses "she/her" pronouns, but she also feels that she is "in the middle" of the gender spectrum.
Embracing Complexity
Lorde emphasized that she doesn’t think her identity is radical, and she is aware of her privileged position as a wealthy, cis, white woman. She expressed admiration for young people who are bravely expressing their own gender identities, and she wants to make it clear that she is not trying to take space away from those who have more at stake than she does.
Inspiration for Her New Album
Lorde’s new album, Virgo, will explore themes of gender identity, and the outlet revealed that one of the opening lines of the album is: "On some days I am a woman, on some days I’m a man." She recalled a moment when she tried on men’s jeans in a clothing store and felt a sense of freedom. Lorde sent a photo to her collaborator, Jim-e Stack, and he encouraged her to express this side of herself in her music.
Creative Expression
The album cover for Virgo features a blue X-ray image with a zipper, belt buckle, and hip, which hints at the themes of identity and expression that the album will explore. Lorde has already released two songs from the album, "What Was I" and "Man of the Year," which touch on her experiences with birth control and femininity.
Personal Growth and Creativity
Lorde described the decision to stop taking birth control as a liberating experience that allowed her to feel more connected to her body and her creativity. She said that getting off birth control made her feel like she was "off the map of femininity," and this newfound freedom has inspired her music and artistry. With Virgo, Lorde is poised to share a new and exciting chapter in her journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
