January 2, 2014 | Sex & Society

Village People singer says YMCA not about gays

Victor Willis, who played a cop and a naval officer as a member of the Village People, said that he has no interest in singing his popular song, 'YMCA,' as part of a protest against Russia's anti-gay legislation.

Some gay rights activists have suggested the song should be played over loud speakers as the US team enters the games during the opening ceremonies. Willis said the idea is silly.

"If they want to use the song that way, go right ahead, but I think it’s silly because the lyrics were written by me as an expression of urban youths having fun at the YMCA," he said. "The words were crafted by me to be taken any number of ways but not specific to gays. It’s much broader than that. The song is universal.

"I don’t mind that gays think the song is about them but I won’t perform the song in support of any protest. But I would consider performing the song as part of the opening ceremonies and lead the stadium into the YMCA dance as a show of world unity because that’s something I believe the world can relate to."

He added: "But I have only been asked to perform as part of a protest. And to that, I say no."

Why would anyone think this song was gay?