Gloria Gaynor says she is 'not a feminist' because she 'loves men'

7 May 2025, 13:45

'I Will Survive' icon Gloria Gaynor clarifies a couple of things.

Gloria Gaynor is maybe best known as the singer of out-and-out feminist anthem 'I Will Survive'.

The song tells the story of a dumped woman who ends up realising her own strength and telling her ex to get packing when he comes crawling back.

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While it was Gaynor's stunning vocals that gave it life, the song was actually written by two men – Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris – and in a new interview with Metro, Gaynor has brushed off the "feminist" tag completely.

"The biggest misconception about me?" Gaynor said. "Hmm. It may be dangerous to say this, but… that I'm a feminist."

She added: "People say it to me, 'And since you’re a feminist…' Erm, no. Not really. I love men. I grew up with five brothers, and I love men.

Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive

"I love men who know who they are and are strong enough to take their place but also strong enough to recognise a woman’s strengths and who are able to allow her to exercise those strengths and realise that we are to be partners and not opponents."

Some might well suggest that Gaynor's comments sound pretty feminist, but she can obviously identify how ever she pleases and adopt (or reject) whatever labels she chooses.

'I Will Survive' was first released in October 1978 as a B-side to 'Substitute' but its popularity forced the label to switch the sides around, and the song stormed to the top of the charts in both the UK and US.

It was later covered by the likes of Billie Jo Spears, Hermes House Band, Chantay Savage, Diana Ross and Cake, among many others.

Gloria Gaynor, who turned 81 last September, releases a new EP called Happy Tears in June.