How were the Village People, an act with a distinctly gay reputation, able to be so successful in a time when homophobia was still a common, open thing? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

How were the Village People, an act with a distinctly gay reputation, able to be so successful in a time when homophobia was still a common, open thing?

by beerbellybegone

silverappleyard

Not to discourage further discussion, but you might be interested in this related answer from u/hillsonghoods:

Young man: how did the Village People's "YMCA," a song celebrating the closeted homosexual interactions occuring in 1960's Christian gymnasiums, become an anthem which a room full of 13 year olds at a church gathering would enthusiastically dance to in later decades?