Gloria Gaynor, the legendary singer behind the iconic anthem “I Will Survive,” recently addressed a common misconception about her in an interview with Metro. Despite her song being celebrated as a powerful message of resilience and empowerment, Gaynor revealed that she does not identify as a feminist.

At 81, Gaynor remains candid and confident in her beliefs, sharing that people often assume she is a feminist simply because of her song’s impact. However, she insists that this perception is not accurate. “I’ve had people say that 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,” Gaynor shared.

For Gaynor, the essence of “I Will Survive” transcends feminist ideals, instead serving as a universal message for anyone who has faced hardships. She clarified that while she values strong partnerships between men and women, she does not subscribe to the feminist label. “I love men who know who they are and are strong enough to take their place but also strong enough to recognize a woman’s strengths and who are able to allow her to exercise those strengths and realize that we are to be partners and not opponents,” she explained.

Since its release in 1978, “I Will Survive” has been embraced by various marginalized groups as a symbol of overcoming adversity. Yet, for Gaynor, the song carries a more personal and spiritual significance. Reflecting on her life at the time of the song’s debut, Gaynor recalled how she was wearing a back brace following surgery and still grieving the loss of her mother, an experience that deeply shaped her connection to the song.

“This is a timeless lyric,” Gaynor noted. “Everybody is going to relate every traumatic situation they’re going through with this song. Any situation they find seemingly insurmountable, they can relate.”

Gaynor’s own journey of survival and triumph is intertwined with her faith. She has often spoken about how her relationship with God influenced her perspective on the song. In a 2019 interview with NPR, Gaynor described how she came to view “I Will Survive” as a gift from God. “When I read the lyrics, I realized the reason they’d been waiting for me to record that song was that God had given that song to them for them to set aside, waiting for him to get everything in order for me to meet up with them,” she said.

Though Gaynor does not embrace the feminist label, she remains an advocate for inner strength and perseverance, drawing inspiration from her Christian faith. To her, “I Will Survive” is not just about empowerment but about overcoming trials with God’s help.

In a world where challenges are ever-present, Gaynor’s story serves as a reminder that true survival often comes from a place of faith and personal conviction. For those who feel overwhelmed by their circumstances, Gaynor’s message is clear: lean on your faith, embrace your own strength, and know that survival is possible.