YMCA Changes Its Name To The Y; The Village People Are “Deeply Dismayed”

The Village People will still perform their 1978 disco anthem — “YMCA” — even though the Young Men’s Christian Association on which the song is based is changing its name to simply “The Y.”
On Monday, the organization formerly known as the YMCA announced that it is changing its name as part of a massive rebranding overhaul. The 166-year-old US-based nonprofit also has a new logo in place as it undertakes a major bid to revamp its image. The news hit the cop, construction worker, Native American, cowboy, biker, and the G.I. like a ton of bricks. The guys of the Village People say they are “deeply dismayed” by the changes headed to The Y.. Nonetheless, the iconic disco troupe behind hits like “Macho Man” and “In The Navy” has vowed that it “will continue to perform all four letters in their concerts around the world.”
“We are deeply dismayed by today’s announcement from the YMCA that they feel a name change and a rebranding are in order after 166 years,” the Village People’s publicist said in a statement. “Some things remain iconic and while we admire the organization for the work they do, we still can’t help but wonder Y.”
“YMCA” is a song that continues to be popular even today. Regularly played at clubs and parties, the song is known for its distinct dance moves. Dancers use their arms to make the shape of each letter – Y, M, C, A.