The moment the brief piano buildup and the line “At first I was afraid, I was petrified” come up, we immediately know we’re in for a good time. Released in October 1978, Gloria Gaynor unveiled what would become one of the biggest disco-pop anthems of all time: “I Will Survive.” Its message of resilience and self-empowerment resonated deeply with listeners, and the track is still widely regarded as a staple in the disco scene today. While the song, on the surface, depicts a woman finding strength after a devastating breakup, it has evolved into much more than just a breakup anthem. In fact, in the decades since its release, listeners have often embraced it as a powerful LGBTQ+ anthem. But why?
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