The article titled "Village People Singer Denies 'Y.M.C.A.' as a 'Gay Anthem' While Defending Trump's Use of the Song" premiered on Consequence, sparking a fresh wave of discussions. For several years now, "Y.M.C.A." by Village People has been Donald Trump's go-to theme song, to the extent that the president-elect even boasts a choreographed dance routine to accompany it.
In a recent Facebook post, Victor Willis, the founding member and songwriter of Village People, stood up for Trump's use of the song while categorically denying any homosexual connotations that might have been associated with the anthem over the years. Willis revealed that he initially requested Trump to halt the playback of "Y.M.C.A." at his events due to the complaints he received from fans, which he deemed a "nuisance." However, "the Trump campaign knew they had secured a political usage license from BMI, and unless that license was revoked, they had every right to keep using 'Y.M.C.A.,' and they did just that."
Moreover, Willis elaborated that Trump "genuinely seems to enjoy 'Y.M.C.A.,' and he's having a blast with it." He continued, "In the face of numerous artists withdrawing their material from Trump, I simply couldn't bring myself to prevent his continued use of my song. So, I instructed my wife to inform BMI not to revoke the Trump campaign's political usage license."
Willis also acknowledged the financial windfall, stating that he stands to gain "several million dollars" from Trump's persistent use of the song.
Regarding the notion that "Y.M.C.A." is "somehow a gay anthem," Willis asserted that "this is a misconception rooted in the fact that my writing partner was gay, and some (not all) members of Village People were gay, as well as the fact that the first Village People album was centered around gay life."
Willis elaborated further, his voice tinged with frustration, "This presumption rests upon the misconception that the YMCA served as a clandestine gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community. Given that one of our songwriters was part of this community, and several members of The Village People shared the same identity, people have erroneously concluded that our tune was meant as a beacon for homosexuals. Let me reiterate with utmost clarity: cast aside such baseless speculations. That was never our intention.
Regrettably, when the President-Elect adopted this song into his repertoire, a storm of controversy erupted, with detractors eagerly branding it as a gay anthem. Their cry echoed loudly, 'How could Trump be unaware of its hidden meaning?' This was a calculated attempt to embarrass and discredit his choice of music.
I must reiterate, as I have on countless occasions, that I was blissfully unaware of the YMCA's reputation among the LGBTQ+ community when I penned the lyrics to 'Y.M.C.A.' Moreover, Jacques Morali, who was indeed a member of this community, never once hinted at such a narrative during our collaborations. In truth, Jacques never imposed his views on my creative process; if he had, I would have promptly reminded him that he didn't need my input. Why not pen the lyrics himself, I would have suggested?"
Hence, I penned "Y.M.C.A.," a tune that captures the essence of the YMCA experience in urban San Francisco—swimming pools, basketball courts, running tracks, budget-friendly meals, and affordable accommodations. When I mention "hanging out with all the boys," it's merely a relic of 1970s black slang, referring to guys bonding over sports, gambling, or whatever floats their boat. There's absolutely nothing homosexual about it.
Therefore, the notion that "Y.M.C.A." has been deemed a gay anthem solely because gays once utilized certain YMCA's for illicit purposes is utterly misguided. As the lyricist, I am acutely aware of the song's true intent. Hence, come January 2025, my wife will initiate legal proceedings against any news outlet that falsely portrays "Y.M.C.A." as a gay anthem, whether in their headlines or subtly hinted at within their articles. Such a misconception is based purely on a flawed interpretation of the lyrics, which do not allude to any illicit activities.
However, I hold no ill will if gays embrace the song as their anthem. Yet, you'd be surprised to find "Y.M.C.A." on the playlist at any gay club, parade, or event, where it's misconstrued as a community anthem beyond its alleged reference to illicit activities—a defamatory and damaging perception. But this erroneous association will cease in 2025.
Conversely, where will you find "Y.M.C.A."? On the playlist of nearly every wedding, bar mitzvah, and sporting event. The song is also featured in commercials, motion pictures, and products worldwide. The true anthem status of "Y.M.C.A." lies in its appeal to people of all stripes, including President-Elect Trump. Yet, despite its universal appeal, the song is not inherently a gay anthem, except as falsely suggested by some. This false narrative must end, as it tarnishes the song's reputation.
