My brother and I both became obsessed with I Will Survive around the age of 10/11. He's a full decade older than me, and our parents still don't understand why that happened with either of us. He's straight, I'm gay. Gloria Gaynor is just amazing in general, and while we gays have claimed her (and her us), her music could, should, and hopefully will be appreciated by all.
I Am What I Am is just straight up queer, though. No reclaiming that one for straight folk. Gayest song ever, and it's wonderful. Lol.
Microsoft Cinemania had a clip from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert where they sing that song. A shortened version of this clip (because space was a premium on that CD-ROM).
I used to watch all the clips on that software, and that was my introduction to the song. Didn’t know anything about the movie, just that scene. But I loved the song.
I didn’t realize until literally today, trying to find that clip, that the movie is about drag queens. 🤣
(Mostly) straight guy here. You're right about Gloria, she's a hell of a fine singer. Some people are just oblivious about the meaning of songs. I had a college roommate who was ignorantly, aggressively straight. His favorite song? All the Young Dudes. And as far as I could discern, he wasn't a closet case. Just dimwitted.
He just needs to embrace them. I'm a straight dude, I love gay anthems. I made $20 one time by singing I Will Survive for karaoke at a crowded bowling alley, in front of my wife's entire company. Whatever, can't embarrass me. I love that song. Didn't even need the karaoke screen.
Joke's on them, I would have sang it for free. Any or all that I know. Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper (I just saw her a couple months ago), The Weather Girls (I have an It's Raining Men 12" single) and I will belt them all out with my own terrible choreography.