"Y.M.C.A": Why Its Writer Says It’s Not a Gay Anthem
Victor Willis, songwriter and former member of the Village People, has reaffirmed that “Y.M.C.A.” is not meant to be a gay anthem. He clarifies this point in light of the song’s use by former President Donald Trump during his election campaigns.
Willis reminded fans that his intent when writing the song was not to create a hymn for a particular sexual orientation.
"As I’ve said many times, the assumption that ‘Y.M.C.A.’ is specifically a gay anthem is a false assumption. While I understand why some may see it that way, it was written without intention. Y.M.C.A. There are simply words and a melody. The idea that it’s somehow coded language, a secret message for the LGBTQ+ community," Willis said, “is a misconception.”
Willis acknowledges the YMCA’s historic connection to the gay community and how it has organically become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. He maintains this adoption was not his intention.
"When I wrote the song, I didn’t know that the YMCA was heavily associated with the gay community. To be clear, its subject plays no reference to a specific sexual orientation," said Willis, dismissing suggestions that the lyrics are laced with hidden messages.
Willis and the group’s for sale rights have benefited greatly from Trump’s use of their song. Publicly, Willis chose not to speak out against the usage. He simply remained silent while meticulously enjoyin g the financial benefits.
The song has seen a resurgence thanks to the 45th president, reaching number one in the US and earning millions.
“It’s a universal anthem. People of all kinds identify with it,” asserts Willis.
The Song’s Meaning and Its Creator’s Intentions
The song’s playful energy and upbeat rhythm resonated with a wide audience, including Trump’s camp.
Willis was, however, uninterested in using the song for his political campaign. “Having been given rapper’s tricks, I flat out declined when I was asked to personalize the song. Plans are underway, in Absatz
The song is considered a rodeo. I felt that was highly in keeping.”
It was back. Willis contained in the album Cruisin, released as a single in 1978. The acronym stands for Young Men’s Christian Association, an organization dedicated to supporting young people[1]
Though not explicitly gay anthem, the song resonated with many in the LGBTQ+ community who turned it into a celebratory anthems, evoking fun and fellowship.
Willis acknowledges the song’s evolution. Still, Willis stressed his intentions.
For those who considered it a gay anthem, he understand, but it was
Not true to state that were not my intention. And simply a lif
The LattoEY.CALLED
Decisions
"It’s a song about celebrating being together. I’d like to set the rumors straight, enjoy the song – and perhaps, “It is just a song full of joy and its lyrical content.” This is not to say
In my teeners. In fact, affirms, its The song Judged
I decline when it
I
Facial Expressions
It seemed to
The song’s title conveys its focus: the Y.
Willis named the singers, and they were: “Young Men’s AssoAssociation. Will
How has the cultural context surrounding the YMCA and its relationship to the LGBTQ+ community influenced the interpretation of the song “Y.M.C.A.”?
## “Y.M.C.A.”: An Anthem for Everyone?
**[Interview intro music fades]**
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the surprising statement made by Victor Willis, the songwriter behind the iconic disco anthem, “Y.M.C.A.”. Mr. Willis recently stated that the song, which has become synonymous with LGBTQ+ pride, was not intended as a gay anthem. Joining us to discuss this is music historian and cultural commentator, Dr. Emily Carter. Welcome to the show, Dr. Carter.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** So, Dr. Carter, Victor Willis is adamant that “Y.M.C.A.” wasn’t written as a celebratory song for the gay community. What are your thoughts on his statement?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s certainly an interesting statement, and one that’s sparked a lot of debate. While Willis maintains that the song wasn’t intended as a gay anthem, its association with the LGBTQ+ community is undeniable. For many years, “Y.M.C.A.” has been embraced by the gay community as a symbol of joy, acceptance, and liberation.
**Host:** Willis mentions that he was unaware of the YMCA’s strong ties to the gay community when he wrote the song. Does this explain his perspective?
**Dr. Carter:** It’s possible. Cultural contexts change over time, and what may not have been apparent decades ago can become clearer with hindsight. The YMCA’s role as a safe haven and community center for some LGBTQ+ individuals has only strengthened in recent years.
**Host:** Is there evidence to suggest that the lyrics themselves were coded messages for the LGBTQ+ community?
**Dr. Carter:** Willis denies this, and there’s no concrete evidence to support that claim. However, the lack of explicit references to gender or sexuality within the lyrics has allowed for multiple interpretations, which arguably contributes to its widespread appeal.
**Host:** Willis has benefitted financially from Donald Trump’s use of “Y.M.C.A.” at his rallies, despite the song’s association with LGBTQ+ rights. What does this say about the complex relationship between music, cultural identity, and politics?
**Dr. Carter:** It highlights the complex and often unpredictable ways in which music can be appropriated and recontextualized. Songs can transcend their initial intent and become deeply rooted in social and political movements, regardless of the artist’s intentions.
**Host:** Well said. Dr. Carter, thank you for providing your insights on this fascinating topic.
**[Interview outro music begins]**
**Host:** That was Dr. Emily Carter, music historian, discussing Victor Willis’s assertion that “Y.M.C.A.” was not intended as a gay anthem. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.