In a surprisingly random (in the best way possible) Q&A with Beyoncé, we get to hear her thoughts on whether or not she finds millennials to be apathetic, how she feels about being a gay icon, whether or not she regrets having such a guarded life as opposed to other stars, and if she finds it hypocritical for her to endorse both Pepsi and First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign.
Excerpts below:
Flaunt: A picnic planner is hoping to get lucky with his/her picnic companion. What’s in the picnic basket?
Beyoncé: A cozy blanket, red wine, fruit, ’90s R&B playing on my iPod. I don’t think you need much else.
Gay men are drawn to you and empowered by you, as they have been to “gay icons” Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Cher, and Madonna. What is it about you, and those women, that gay men love?
I’m flattered if I’m in the company of those great women. I think they love that we are bold, unafraid to love, and flaunt our sexuality and strength.
What’s up with gluten anyway?
I’m okay with gluten. Sunday pizza is a must for me!
Millennials make up a huge part of your fan base. Thousands of them have responded to your Instagram hashtag #beygood to promote goodwill. How do you feel about the media’s take on youth as the “me me me” generation, or a generation of “slack-tivists” [people who are activists online but not in the real world]?
At my concerts I see the opposite. They are engaged in making a difference. We have collected tons of donations that will go towards creating jobs and helping people get jobs. That’s something I want to celebrate. For Chime for Change we raised awareness and over $4 million in one day for equal rights for girls everywhere. So many people at that concert were young. They are more socially responsible than they get credit for.
Some were critical at your participating in a Pepsi campaign after you moved your body for childhood obesity. Where is the balance between your career objectives and your philanthropy?
Pepsi is a brand I’ve grown up seeing my heroes collaborate with. The company respects musicians and artistry. I wouldn’t encourage any person, especially a child, to live life without balance. When you work out, take care of your body, rehearse as hard as I rehearsed in the commercial, I think it’s great to have a Pepsi or Diet Pepsi when you want one. It’s all about choices.
You have always carefully sculpted your image and controlled public access to your off-stage life. Is there anything to envy about stars who don’t care about safeguarding their private lives?
I have chosen to keep certain aspects of my life private. But I also love sharing what makes me happy, especially through photography.
Check out the full interview over at Flaunt.
