Beyoncé goes topless for LGBT magazine 'Out,' talks sexual liberation

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Beyoncé has mastered the art of letting her work speak for itself, but after several months of silence, the 32-year-old superstar is having her say.

Queen Bey graces the cover of Out magazine’s May power issue, her first magazine cover and interview of the year, and since the surprise release of her self-titled album last December.

For the Out cover, shot by Santiago & Mauricio, Beyoncé is styled by Lysa Cooper, rocking platinum blonde hair, vintage jewelry, and seemingly topless.

In the issue, Beyoncé addresses women’s empowerment, and says that her music opened up that conversation for a younger generation.

“There is unbelievable power in ownership, and women should own their sexuality,” she said. “Being that I am a woman in a male-dominated society, the feminist mentality rang true to me and became a way to personalize that struggle.”

Beyoncé’s interview with Out was more than likely a calculated decision. She told the magazine that she is aware of her status as an icon within the LGBT community.

“What I’m really referring to, and hoping for, is human rights and equality, not just that between a woman and a man,” she said.

“So I’m very happy if my words can ever inspire or empower someone who considers themselves an oppressed minority … We are all the same and we all want the same things: the right to be happy, to be just who we want to be and to love who we want to love.”

The “Partition” singer also gave new details about the making of her chart-topping fifth album, which she secretly released in December, including that she even recorded her fan-favorite anthem “XO” while sick.

“I was sick with a bad sinus infection,” she told the magazine. “I really loved the imperfections, so I kept the original demos.”

The May issue of Out hits stands April 22.

Follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter for more Entertainment news at @WitherspoonC