To quote RuPaul on The Weakest Link…Chaka Khan!
No introduction is needed for the Queen of Funk. With an estimated 70 million records sold, 11 Grammys (including a Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year), and an iconic vocal range and style, the legendary singer has built her own lane in the music industry.
Almost everyone has sung “I’m Every Woman” at the top of their lungs at least one time in their lives, but the LGBTQ+ community has warmly embraced Khan’s diverse discography since the beginning of her career. Although queer people have gravitated toward her empowering anthems for decades, Khan has served as a longtime ally since her early days performing in gay clubs in the mid-1970s.
“It means the world to me. The LGBTQ+ community has shown me so much love throughout my career, and I have always felt that love right back,” Khan says. “When I walk into a room and hear everybody singing ‘I’m Every Woman’ together, just living, dancing, being completely themselves…that’s beautiful to me. Music belongs to everybody. If one of my songs has helped someone feel stronger, freer, or more comfortable being exactly who they are, then I’ve done something meaningful.”
Chaka Khan photographed by Nick Nelson
Khan’s artistry has deeply resonated with her passionate supporters all around the world. The songwriter has built her legacy by channeling authenticity and fierce expression throughout her impressive catalog of hits. While gay clubs will always play her signature songs, the talented singer is ready to give her fans something new to enjoy as summer comes to a close.
For the first time in seven years, the singer is releasing a new album, teaming up with top names in the music industry for the electrifying Chakzilla. Co-written with powerhouse vocalist Sia, Khan is dropping a body of work that features collaborations with other A-list musicians such as Lenny Kravitz, Snoop Dogg, and Greg Kurstin.
“Chakzilla is about joy, freedom, and where I am in my life right now. I’ve lived a lot, learned a lot, and I really love making music. Working with artists I respect keeps things fresh and surprising. Everybody brings their own magic to the room, and when it works, you feel it. Greg Kurstin built the whole foundation. He did the music tracks for every song on this album, so he’s the ground the rest of it stands on. Sia, she’s my heart. We just played like kids. I love her spirit and the way she brings her whole heart to the music. Lenny, he’s my soul.
And Snoop? Come on! It’s Snoop. We had too much fun. That’s what music is supposed to be.”
There’s no denying that music fuels the soul, and Khan loves that her tunes have served as a soundtrack to many queer people’s lives. Besides “I’m Every Woman,” fans have turned to other powerful anthems such as “Ain’t Nobody,” “Through the Fire,” “I Feel for You,” and many others to find inspiration during difficult times.
“Know who you are and love that person fiercely. Don’t let anybody else decide your worth or dim your light. We need each other, so find your people, hold them close, and keep showing up for one another. There is power in living your truth. And whatever you’re going through…keep going. Keep loving. Keep dancing. And it’s always a good idea to turn the music up!”
Chaka Khan photographed by Nick Nelson
This year has already proven to be another major milestone for Khan. She received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in January and saw her own jukebox musical premiere in London’s West End. I’m Every Woman – The Chaka Khan Musical is already receiving rave reviews. The show is based on Khan’s life, from her days as a young Black Panther activist in Chicago to becoming a music icon. The show is slated to run until late September at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
“I’m grateful for every honor, but I don’t spend too much time thinking about statues or titles. I hope the music lives. I hope I opened some doors, made people feel something, and encouraged everyone, I mean everyone, to own their voices and their power. I want people to remember that I gave them the truth as I knew it and hopefully gave them something they could dance to and feel good along the way.”
Since her humble beginnings in the ’70s with the funk band Rufus, Khan has dedicated her life to pursuing her dreams and bringing a bright energy to every project she tackles. Despite all of the challenges and obstacles throughout her incredible five-decade career, the legendary singer is committed to spreading love across the globe.
“At this point in my life, I’m interested in what feels meaningful and what feels like fun. If it’s got both, you can count me in. I’ve learned to stay open, because sometimes the greatest things are the ones you never saw coming.”
Chaka Khan’s 14th solo studio album, Chakzilla, drops everywhere on September 18, 2026.
This article is part of OUT’s Sept-Oct 2026 print issue, on newsstands September 1. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue now through Apple News+, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader starting August 20.
Out September/October 2026 cover with cover stars Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova Albert Sanchez and Pedro Zalba
