The Village People, Y.M.C.A. | LGBTQ Bopz

On the 2^nd edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2021), we highlight the song, “Y.M.C.A.” performed by The Village People.

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ring on the B-O-P-Z, like #SLAYYY! LGBTQ Bopz is a column t that embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians.  On LGBTQ Bopz we provide background info and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome and the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, on the 2^nd edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2021), we highlight “Y.M.C.A.” performed by The Village People.

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Theme & Lyrics

“Young man, there’s a place you can go, I said / Young man, when you’re short on your dough,” The Village People assert on “Y.M.C.A.,” the biggest hit of their career.  The collective continues, on the first verse, singing, “Stay there and I’m sure you will find / Many ways to have a good time.”  They have a point considering the Young Men’s Christian Association or simply, “The Y” is a place to have fun without the expense. However, “Y.M.C.A.,” which appears on the collective’s 1978 LP, Cruisin’ (), isn’t thought of celebrating “The Y” for its moral endeavors.

It’s no secret that The Village People were gay. Nothing wrong with that – no criticism !  “Y.M.C.A.” was intended to celebrate “The Y” but instead, it’s become one of the preeminent gay anthems.  Also, nothing wrong with that – it’s a bop, bop, B-O-P! Young men having a good time playing sports? They can, of course, but the read into this place of fun is one for those young men hooking up.  Again, it probably didn’t help Village People that the album was titled Cruisin’, a term that’s slang for seeking out sex.  Worth noting, Ys were a spot for gay men to meet. It’s hard to believe that the collective wasn’t referencing sex, particularly on the high-flying chorus:

“It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
They have everything for young men to enjoy
You can hang out with all the boys
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal
You can do whatever you feel.”

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Final Thoughts  

So, how ‘gay’ is “Y.M.C.A.” Oh, it’s gay – no doubt about it.  That said, while it’s fun to react to the sexual innuendo, the bigger message is acceptance.  At the Young Men’s Christian Association, everyone is welcome, regardless of sexuality. Yes, plenty of gay men ended up at the Y, and yes, they hooked up, but, ultimately, the song is about a positive place.  Regardless, this is one of the best LGBTQ Bopz of all time!

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Village People • Cruisin’ • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 1978
Village People, “Y.M.C.A.”: LGBTQ Bopz No. 2 [: Anna Shvets, Brent Faulkner, Kurious, The Island Def Jam Music Group, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay]

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