Singer Lorde Explores Gender Identity as ‘Woman Except for When I’m a Man’
In an interview with Rolling Stone, singer Lorde has shared her reflections on her evolving gender identity, describing herself as a ‘woman except for the days when I’m a man.’ The 28-year-old New Zealand artist discussed how her perception of gender has grown more expansive since the release of her last album, ‘Solar Power,’ and emphasized the emotional journey behind her new album, ‘Virgin,’ which includes the song ‘Man of the Year.’
Lorde explained that the song’s lyric, ‘Some days I’m a woman/Some days I’m a man,’ reflects her complex sense of gender, and that she sees herself as ‘in the middle gender-wise.’
She also referenced a conversation with singer Chappell Roan, who asked if she identified as non-binary, and responded by stating she is a ‘woman except for the days when I’m a man.’
Lorde acknowledged the emotional impact of writing ‘Man of the Year,’ which she described as a moment of feeling ‘something bursting’ in response to trying to embody her gender identity. She also mentioned that her decision to go off birth control for the first time in years had a significant impact on how she views her gender.
Despite her openness about her gender identity, Lorde made it clear that she still identifies as a ‘cis’ woman and stated her goal to not take attention away from people who face more significant challenges with their gender identity. She emphasized the importance of not overshadowing others who ‘have more on the line’ than she does, given her position as a wealthy, cis, White woman.
As she continues her creative journey, Lorde’s reflections on gender identity are an important part of her art and personal expression.