Cara Delevingne is embracing a label she once struggled with.
During a new interview with Variety, the model, actor, and musician got candid about her sexuality, her longtime discomfort with labels, and the girlfriend who has become her biggest supporter as she launches her music career.
The conversation came after Delevingne made headlines earlier this month when she told a crowd at a concert appearance, “If you didn’t know already, I’m a lesbian.”
Asked about the moment, Delevingne acknowledged that some people were quick to debate the label online due to her dating history.
“People love to comment on stuff like that of like, ‘She’s not gay, she’s pan’ or ‘she had a boyfriend,'” Delevingne said. “But at this point in my life, I’m very happy to say I’m a lesbian.”
While Delevingne noted that she has “always hated labels,” she explained that her current relationship has helped clarify how she sees her future.
“I don’t see myself being with anyone else for the rest of my life and I want to have a family with this woman,” she said. “So yes, I’m a very proud lesbian.”
The star also reflected on why the word “lesbian” once felt difficult for her to embrace.
“There was something about my own internalized homophobia where that word was something I really didn’t want to say or admit,” Delevingne shared.
She credited younger LGBTQ+ people and increased representation with helping shift her perspective.
“I think it’s taken a lot of the younger generation of being proud and these incredible gay women,” she said. “It is incredible when you have that kind of representation and community what it can do.”
How Cara and Her Girlfriend Met
Elsewhere in the interview, Delevingne spoke lovingly about her girlfriend, British singer-songwriter Minke, revealing that she was one of the first people to hear her music and has been a major source of support throughout the album-making process.
“She is my biggest champion,” Delevingne said, adding that she values her partner’s honesty and encouragement as she navigates a new chapter in her career.
The couple first met while attending school together in England, where Minke was a year ahead of her. Looking back, Delevingne recalled being drawn to the British singer-songwriter’s talent and quiet confidence long before they eventually became a couple. “I just thought she was the most rad.”
Delevingne’s new music era officially kicked off this week with the release of her debut singles, “I Forgot” and “Out of My Head,” following her recent signing with Warner Records.
