There's no denying that The Village People's "YMCA" is considered to be a huge gay anthem. Remember how that Doritos commercial caused a controversy in Brazil? According to the people who had issues with that ad, dancing to the song implies that you sleep with men. It's seriously that gay! But no matter how gay the song "YMCA" is, it's questionable whether actual YMCAs are as gay as we've previously been told.
Here's the story: Genia Stevens wants to take some water aerobics classes at the YMCA in Beloit, Wisconsin. She fills out the paperwork for a single-parent family membership, which would include her two teenage sons. Then it occurs to her, "Hmm, maybe my partner would like to take some water aerobics classes with me." She asks the clerk at the front desk if they offer family memberships for same-sex domestic partners. Their answer–"No, we only allow a husband, wife and children to use the family membership because that’s what a family is."
Why should we be concerned? Because this is a matter of equality. Even if gay marriages were performed throughout the entire US as soon as tomorrow, there would still be people who wouldn't consider our families to be actual families. This is beyond a legal and political battle, folks. We need to start opening minds!
– Dewitt
Perhaps then, she shouldn’t have been looking at the Young Men’s CHRISTIAN Association for a health club membership. In order for us to be accepted, we have to be able to accept that there are groups and associations that don’t agree with our views and lifestyle.
Agreed with Frank. In the public sector, there is no grounds for that treatment, but private sector is a different beast
No, trust me i’ve worked in YMCA’s for most of my life, but in a more liberal area of the east coast. The “your not a family” excuse is BS, and in any of my YMCAs, the customer is right. We would never be so rude as to say anything along those lines. Shit, we need the money. Sexual preference shouldn’t factor in to whether or not someone can work out at your facility. The YMCA’s mission as a christian organization is fading, but as a outreach for community it is growing.
And yes. I have been “propositioned” in the YMCA steamroom. lol