Music legend Chaka Khan objected to being labeled a “straight icon” and declined to define her sexuality. The 73-year-old music legend made it clear that she prefers to keep that aspect of her life private, saying it is nobody else’s business.
Chaka Khan rejected assumptions about her sexuality and said she keeps that part of her life private
During an August 20 interview with the U.K.’s Observer, Khan rejected the idea that she identifies as straight. The longtime LGBTQ+ ally said, “A straight icon? What’s the straight part? What do you mean, straight in what way?”
After the reporter explained that “straight” referred to being “heterosexual,” the Queen of Funk pushed back against the label, saying, “Am I? How do you know what the f**k I am? I don’t ever share that part of my life. That’s nobody’s business but mine.” She further stated, “I am for everybody. I don’t care what you sleep with at night. If your heart is in the right place, that’s all I care about.”
Khan may reject the label, but she is widely loved and a well-known figure in the queer community. The Rufus alum has been a longtime ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her 1978 hit I’m Every Woman continues to be a beloved anthem among the queer community.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member also made it clear she has no plans to get married again. “I’m not looking for that. I’m partnered out,” she said. Khan married Hassan Khan at the age of 17 in 1970. Their marriage ended in divorce the following year. She later married Richard Holland in 1976. The couple welcomed a son, Damien, during their marriage. They remained married for four years before divorcing in 1980.
The 10-time Grammy winner began her music career by singing with local groups as a teenager. She later rose to fame as a member of Rufus. Khan’s performances caught the attention of Stevie Wonder, who went on to write Tell Me Something Good, one of Rufus’ biggest hits. The song earned Khan her first Grammy Award. The singer is currently preparing to release her 13th solo album, Chakzilla, in September.
