There is no other living legend like Elton John.
The recipient of multiple awards and millions of records sold worldwide, the EGOT (All India Entertainment and Music Award) winner doesn't just entertain his fans across the globe.
Along with his husband, David Furnish, John has dedicated his life to fighting for equality and raising vital funds to save lives and eradicate HIV through the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Now, the talented musician continues his impact by teaming up with iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble (P&G) to present the Elton John Impact Awards. This initiative, timed to coincide with Pride Month, honors outstanding figures, trailblazers, and allies who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Orville Peck, and Chappelle Roane are just a few of the names honored this year.
Amid growing political hostility towards LGBTQ people around the world, the Elton John Impact Awards are being presented as a podcast to reach more people at a pivotal moment in history.
In an exclusive interview for Out These legendary husbands spoke candidly about the need for increased visibility, their passionate pursuit of pride, and what they believe their legacy should be as their influence continues to touch the hearts of millions of fans.
Elton and David, congratulations on receiving the Elton John Impact Awards. You've done incredible work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation over the years. Elton, why did you decide to establish the Impact Awards?
All my life, I've watched people punished for being themselves. Artists, activists, ordinary people who simply wanted to live openly. The Elton John Lifetime Achievement Award exists because this courage deserves to be commemorated and celebrated, not simply taken for granted. We want to highlight those who made life easier for everyone who came after them, and to make it clear that the work isn't finished.
David, you're paying tribute to so many incredible LGBTQ+ icons in today's industry, including Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, and Chappelle Roane. Why was it important to you to honor each of these stars?
Each of them used their platform at a time when it would have been easier not to. These are people who live their true selves publicly and consistently, not just when it's convenient. This kind of visibility has a real impact on young people trying to figure out who they are. We wanted to celebrate that, not just fame or achievements.
Elton, the timing of the Impact Awards ceremony couldn't be better, as the political climate continues to become increasingly hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community. Why is it so important for our community to unite and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues during this challenging time?
The hostility is real, and it's growing. We see rights being undermined, funding being cut, and communities that were already vulnerable becoming even more vulnerable. Now is not the time to remain silent or turn away. The Elton John Impact Awards are one way to clearly state: we are here, we are proud, and we are not going anywhere. Art and visibility have always been part of how this community survives, and that hasn't changed.
David, the Elton John AIDS Foundation continues to grow every year, and the organization is gaining momentum. You've given hope to so many people at a time when it was needed most. What message would you like to share with members of the LGBT community who could use some words of wisdom during these difficult times?
I understand how difficult things are right now. The progress we fought for is being tested in ways that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago. But I also know what this community has accomplished, often under far worse circumstances. The people we are honoring this year prove that openness makes a difference, that living openly and uncompromisingly is itself a form of resistance. We are not giving up, and I hope you won't either.
Elton, your career is truly legendary. Through your iconic discography, prolific charitable work, and being an incredible father to your young children, you've opened countless doors for brilliant LGBTQ+ stars. What would you like your legacy to be? How would you like people to celebrate your incredible life?
If my children are happy and know I gave everything I had to support and love them, that's enough for me. I've been incredibly honored to receive awards for my music, and I try to pass on that same sense of empowerment to the rising artists who will become the legends of tomorrow. But ultimately, being a father and raising a family with David will always be what matters most to me.
David, what are your goals for the Elton John AIDS Foundation? How would you like the Impact Awards to benefit the organization?
We're focused on protecting what the LGBTQ+ community built because most people don't know they did. Gay people transformed modern medicine during the AIDS crisis. They fought for faster access to life-saving medications, championed scientific discourse, and created community-based healthcare models now considered standard practice worldwide. This legacy is now under threat from funding cuts, criminalization, and political hostility. But ending AIDS is still possible. The science has never been better. But first, the systems and communities created to support it must survive. That's what we're fighting for.
Elton, what message would you like to convey to young LGBTQ+ artists inspired by your groundbreaking career? And how can we all share a little joy with members of the LGBTQ+ community?
Be yourself. That's the best advice I can give any young person. Don't be afraid of who you are. Celebrate it, be bold, and go out into the world the way only you can. We need you.
The Elton John Impact Awards can be watched or listened to on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
This article originally appeared on Out: Elton John discusses his legacy and calls on LGBT people to fight political 'hostility' (Exclusive).
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