Village People’s Victor Willis Defends Donald Trump’s Use of ‘YMCA,’ Insists Song Isn’t a Gay Anthem

Few songs can claim the level of cultural penetration that the Village People’s YMCA has achieved. The upbeat disco anthem, released in 1978, has become a rallying cry at sports arenas, weddings, and even political rallies. Recently, the song has been thrust into the spotlight once again—this time, due to its prominent use at Donald Trump’s campaign events. While many critics have debated the song’s appropriateness in this context, Victor Willis, the Village People’s original lead singer, has defended Trump’s use of the YMCA.

What’s more, Willis went one step further to dispel long-held assumptions about the song: he insisted that it was not a “gay anthem.” His comments sparked discussions about the intentions behind the YMCA, its cultural significance, and the boundaries of artistic interpretation.

Victor Willis: A Vocal Defender of Artistic Neutrality

Victor Willis, who co-wrote the YMCA, has never been shy about clarifying the song’s origins and meaning. As the Village People’s “cop,” Willis played a key role in shaping the group’s larger-than-life, bombastic image. But he’s also been clear about maintaining ownership of the group’s artistic vision, and his defense of Trump’s use of the song fits into his longstanding view that music transcends politics.

The Trump Connection: A Question of Appropriation

Donald Trump’s love of the YMCA is no secret. The song is a staple at his rallies, often played during his signature dance moves as supporters cheer. Its infectious beat and universal appeal make it a strategic choice to energize large crowds. However, Trump’s use of the song has not been without controversy.

Critics, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, have questioned whether Trump’s policies are consistent with the spirit of inclusion and diversity that many associate with the song. To these critics, the idea of ​​the YMCA—a celebration of camaraderie and togetherness—seems at odds with Trump’s political message.

But Willis dismissed the notion that Trump’s use of the song was inappropriate. To him, the YMCA belongs to everyone, including politicians who might be divisive. “Nobody should be trying to tell anybody they can’t use the YMCA,” he said. “This song is for everybody.”

Willis’s comments come amid a broader debate about how artists can or should control the use of their work in political contexts. While many musicians have sought to block Trump from using their music—Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and the Rolling Stones, to name a few—Willis has taken a different stance. For him, the universality of the YMCA trumps any political concerns.

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A Cultural Flashpoint: Gay Anthem or Just a Good Time?

Part of the controversy surrounding the YMCA stems from the organization’s longstanding ties to LGBTQ+ culture. With its campy costumes and playful Village People overtones, many fans have hailed the song as a gay anthem, a nod to the subversive power of disco in the late 1970s.

Willis, however, has consistently resisted this interpretation. He admits that the Village People’s image—featuring exaggerated archetypes like bikers, cowboys, and construction workers—is deliberately theatrical, but he insists that it was never intended to be tied to gay culture. Instead, the band aimed to create music that appealed to a wide audience.

Willis also points out that, as a straight man, he wrote from his own perspective. For him, the YMCA is a celebration of youth, energy, and community, not a coded message about sexuality. His emphasis on this point reflects his desire to reclaim the song’s narrative, ensuring that its meaning remains as inclusive as possible.

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Art, Interpretation, and Ownership

Willis’s commentary highlights an age-old tension in art: the relationship between the creator’s intention and the audience’s interpretation. Can a work of art ever completely escape the meanings its audience assigns to it? In the case of YMCA, its catchy melody and ambiguous lyrics have allowed it to take on a life of its own.

For many, the beauty of YMCA lies in its openness to interpretation. Whether it’s a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ community or simply a fun party song, the song’s ability to resonate with a wide range of audiences speaks to its enduring appeal.

Willis’ comments, however, suggest a desire to reassert control over how the song is interpreted. By distancing it from the label of a “gay anthem,” he wants to broaden its reach, ensuring that it remains accessible to all listeners.

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Political Music: A Double-Edged Sword

Trump’s use of the YMCA is part of a broader trend of politicians using popular songs to energize their campaigns. While music can be a powerful tool for creating an emotional connection with voters, it also raises questions about artistic consensus and the potential for songs to be misinterpreted.

In this case, Willis’s defense of Trump’s use of the YMCA sets him apart from other artists who have distanced themselves from the former president. His stance underscores his belief in the universality of music, one that prioritizes inclusivity over politics.

Not everyone agrees with this approach, however. Critics say allowing songs to be used in controversial political contexts risks alienating some audiences. For those who see the YMCA as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, the organization’s association with Trump’s rallies may feel like a betrayal.

The Legacy of YMCA

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding YMCA highlights its unique place in pop culture. Few songs have achieved such widespread appeal while also serving as a focal point for controversy.

For Victor Willis, the song’s legacy is one of joy and unity. His defense of Trump’s use of the song, as well as his rejection of the label “gay hymn,” reflects a commitment to keeping the song’s message simple and inclusive.

Yet ongoing discussions about the YMCA’s cultural significance and significance suggest that its legacy remains unresolved. Whether it’s a fun disco anthem, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, or a political rallying cry, the YMCA continues to inspire conversations about music, identity, and the power of art to bring people together—or tear them apart.

Ultimately, perhaps the true power of YMCA lies in its ability to mean different things to different people. For Victor Willis, that versatility is what makes the song so timeless.

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