What is the subject?
January 20 will mark the official inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. The song that will accompany this inaugural event is the famous disco “YMCA” by the group Village People, released in 1978. Victor Willis, the lead singer, announced on Facebook that the group will participate in this inauguration, including at least one performance during an event with the president-elect. Interestingly, “YMCA” is widely considered a gay anthem globally, while Trump has, in the past, taken actions that may have harmed the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
Why did Donald Trump choose “YMCA” for his events?
“YMCA” has become a staple at Donald Trump’s political rallies. Many videos are circulating on the internet showing Trump moving to the beat of the music. In a 2022 episode of the “Full Send” podcast, Trump revealed that he likes to play this song at parties at his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, because it guarantees a festive mood. “Macho Man,” also a Village People hit, is also part of his playlist.
Is “YMCA” really a gay anthem?
Donald Trump himself has already called “YMCA” the “national anthem of the gays”. The song echoes the experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the 1970s and is therefore recognized as an internationally gay anthem. Additionally, the group’s appearance strongly evokes the queer scene of that era. The band’s name refers to the Greenwich Village neighborhood in Manhattan, which, at the time of its creation, was an alternative and queer center of New York.
However, Victor Willis has another vision. In a post on Facebook, he clarified that although the majority of the group’s members and co-writer Jacques Morali are homosexual, the song does not address homosexuality. In his eyes, “YMCA” is more about platonic friendship between African-American men in the 1970s, rejecting the idea that the song is about queer relationships.
Why do the Village People support Donald Trump?
The gang has previously distanced itself politically from Trump. However, he holds a license to play “YMCA”, which explains his presence at his events. Willis clarified that he will not seek to legally oppose it, stating that while he does not support Trump politically, “YMCA” is a song for everyone. In another post, he mentions that the group believes that “music should be created without consideration of politics”, which leads them to perform at the inauguration.
What are the reactions to the announcement of their performance?
From the announcement on Facebook, Victor Willis knew that some fans might be disappointed by this choice, especially given that several artists declined Trump’s invitation. However, he said “YMCA” is a universal anthem that can hopefully bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided election.
Takeaways
- “YMCA” is considered a gay anthem, although Victor Willis explains that it evokes male camaraderie.
- While Trump has often been criticized for his LGBTQ+ policies, the Village People emphasize that their music transcends politics.
- The performance at the inauguration could draw mixed reactions, with supporters and detractors among the audience.
The Village People’s presence at Trump’s inauguration raises interesting questions about the intersection between music, politics, and identity. How far can music be detached from the beliefs of its performers, and how do artists manage their public image in politically charged contexts? Could this choice be interpreted as an attempt to bring people together or as an alienation for certain fans?
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