LGBT+ backlash after Village People conform to carry out at Trump inauguration occasions | EUROtoday

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The Village People’s resolution to carry out at President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural ball and rally, has sparked backlash because of the band’s ties to the LGBT+ neighborhood.

The group gained worldwide fame within the Nineteen Seventies, notably with their anthem “Y.M.C.A.” — a track that has been embraced by the satisfaction motion worldwide — and their flamboyant on-stage personas and catchy dance-pop music.

“We know this won’t make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics,” lead singer Victor Willis wrote in a put up on Facebook.

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“Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.”

The outrage was swift. One fan responded on Facebook by saying: “Well I have no more respect for your group. I grew up with you and danced to your music and then you plan to perform at a convicted felon’s inauguration who also has no respect for women. I am ashamed and will be throwing away all of your music.”

“This decision feels like a betrayal to the very people who have supported and celebrated your work for decades,” stated one other.

However, on the extra MAGA pleasant X, the choice was welcomed. “Great to hear, I read that even though you may not agree or voted for him, you are still doing it because of the bigger picture. KUDOS to you all, that’s how America is supposed to be,” stated one Trump fan.

“Thank you guys for giving those of us to the right a chance to enjoy your music still. BTW I have loved your music my entire conservative life. Happy New Year,” stated one other.

The Village People be a part of Trump’s musical favourites, opera singer Christopher Macchio and nation singer Lee Greenwood, in addition to nation music icon Carrie Underwood, who has dedicated to performing “America the Beautiful.”

Lead singer Willis had beforehand voiced his disapproval of using “Y.M.C.A.” at Trump rallies, which began throughout the former president’s 2020 marketing campaign.

He voiced fan worries concerning the track’s political context on the time and requested the Trump marketing campaign to cease enjoying it.

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Willis, nonetheless, modified his thoughts final month when he admitted that the track’s attraction has solely elevated because it was performed at Trump rallies.

“He’s [Trump] having a lot of fun with it,” he wrote in a Facebook put up in December.

Willis additionally rejected the suggestion the track is a “gay anthem”.

“There’s been a lot of talk, especially of late, that Y.M.C.A. is somehow a gay anthem,” he stated.

“As I’ve said numerous times in the past, that is a false assumption based on the fact that my writing partner was gay, and some (not all) of Village People were gay, and that the first Village People album was totally about gay life.

“This assumption is also based on the fact that the YMCA was apparently being used as some sort of gay hangout and since one of the writers was gay and some of the Village People are gay, the song must be a message to gay people. To that I say once again, get your minds out of the gutter. It is not.”

He added: “When I say ‘hang out with all the boys,’ that was simply 1970s black slang for black guys hanging out together for sports, gambling or whatever. There’s nothing gay about that.”

Willis acknowledged he would pursue authorized motion towards any media outlet that falsely characterizes “Y.M.C.A.” as a homosexual anthem.

There was a combined response to the announcement. Some Facebook commenters congratulated the band, whereas others expressed disappointment.

A fan congratulated the band for “Keeping politics out of performing your music”. However, one fan identified the band “stand for acceptance, tolerance, respect for others”, whereas Donald Trump doesn’t.