In a recent interview with Metro on Sunday, the iconic singer Gloria Gaynor, 81, who captivated audiences with her empowering anthem "I Will Survive," revealed the "biggest misconception" about her career—a misconception she has consistently refuted. When asked about the most prevalent misconception surrounding her after decades in the limelight, Gaynor disclosed that many have mistakenly labeled her a feminist, despite her assertion that she "loves men."
"People have said to me, ‘And since you’re a feminist…’ But no, that's not really me," Gaynor emphasized. "I have a deep affection for men. I grew up amidst five brothers, and my admiration for them runs deep." She further elaborated, "I cherish men who embrace their identity, possessing the strength to assert themselves while also acknowledging a woman's prowess and empowering her to harness her strengths. We are meant to be partners, not adversaries."
Despite "I Will Survive" being adopted as a battle cry by marginalized communities, Gaynor views the song as a universal testament for individuals navigating through adversity. "These lyrics transcend time," Gaynor reflected in 2024. "Back in 1978, I connected with this song deeply, wearing a back brace post-surgery. It resonated with me as I grieved the loss of my mother a few years prior, a loss I never anticipated overcoming. Everyone will find a piece of their own traumatic journey in this song. Any seemingly insurmountable challenge they face, they can relate to it."
Moreover, Gaynor has woven her return to faith into the fabric of the song, even rewriting its lyrics to mirror this transformation. In a 2019 interview with NPR, she shared, "Upon reading the lyrics, I realized that God had intended this song for me all along. It had been waiting, set aside by divine providence, until the perfect moment for me to record it. And that song was ‘I Will Survive.’"
