{"id":3195,"date":"2023-05-13T15:39:14","date_gmt":"2023-05-13T15:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mpelembe.net\/?p=3195"},"modified":"2023-05-13T15:39:14","modified_gmt":"2023-05-13T15:39:14","slug":"the-gay-world-cup-why-lgbtq-audiences-love-eurovision","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mpelembe.net\/index.php\/the-gay-world-cup-why-lgbtq-audiences-love-eurovision\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u2018gay world cup\u2019: why LGBTQ+ audiences love\u00a0Eurovision"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/matt-weaver-1325943\">Matt Weaver<\/a>, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/university-of-portsmouth-1302\">University of Portsmouth<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In 1956, seven European countries \u2013 Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and West Germany \u2013 gathered in Lugano, Switzerland for the first ever Eurovision Song Contest. The competition was only broadcast in select countries, meaning only a small number of viewers watched Swiss entry Lys Assia win the grand prize with the song Refrain.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Over the years, the contest has become a glitzy, kitschy spectacle of both the beautiful and the bizarre, drawing in <a href=\"https:\/\/eurovision.tv\/story\/eurovision-2022-161-million-viewers\">over 160 million viewers<\/a> at last year\u2019s event. In 2023, Eurovision returns to the UK (last year\u2019s runners up) on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine for the first time since 1998, a day few anticipated after years of zero success. <\/p>\n<p>As well as the contest\u2019s overall transition from small show to huge spectacle, Eurovision has also developed a dedicated and passionate fandom over the years, many of whom are members of the LGBTQ+ community. <\/p>\n<p>I have always been a huge follower of the contest. Eurovision is a perfect unity of my own fanhood and my research interests surrounding contemporary LGBTQ+ representation and visibility. An international media event that places LGBTQ+ people centre stage deserves celebrating.<\/p>\n<p>In a recent BBC article, journalist Jamie McLoughlin labelled Eurovision a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/entertainment-arts-65485540\">\u201csafe space\u201d for LGBTQ+ communities<\/a>, noting how Eurovision consistently lays a \u201cthoroughly supportive hand\u201d on LGBTQ+ people in Europe. LGBTQ+ fans have affectionately likened Eurovision to other major events, with descriptions such as \u201cGay Christmas\u201d, \u201cthe Gay World Cup\u201d and \u201cthe Gay Olympics\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>In the BBC TV special <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/programmes\/m001ltd3\">Eurovision Calling<\/a>, Jason Manford interviewed several LGBTQ+ Eurovision fans, including Lewis Thorp, who described how Eurovision helped him come to terms with his sexuality.<\/p>\n<figure>\n            <iframe width=\"440\" height=\"260\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XcB3gEKI4nw?wmode=transparent&#038;start=3\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>Camping it up<\/h2>\n<p>But why is Eurovision so popular amongst LGBTQ+ communities? Many have related LGBTQ+ (particularly gay male) admiration for Eurovision in its \u201ccamp\u201d nature and reliance on excess. In Susan Sontag\u2019s seminal piece <a href=\"https:\/\/monoskop.org\/images\/5\/59\/Sontag_Susan_1964_Notes_on_Camp.pdf\">Notes on Camp<\/a>, she describes camp as more than just the effeminacy of gay men \u2013 it is a sensibility that represents the \u201clove of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The performativity and extravagance of Eurovision undeniably represents this notion of camp, with vibrant performances and over-the-top presentations. This contrasts with Eurovision\u2019s early days when there was very little LGBTQ+ visibility in music or on television.<\/p>\n<p>Camp can represent the sense of subcultural community through the \u201cgaying\u201d of straight culture. Although there was no actual representation in the beginnings of Eurovision, LGBTQ+ communities adapted for their own purposes and needs, using the joy of the song contest as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newstatesman.com\/culture\/music\/2023\/05\/eurovision-is-beloved-lgbtq-community-liverpool-diversity\">means to celebrate<\/a> diversity. <\/p>\n<p>In recent years we have been introduced to many LGBTQ+ participants in an age of increased visibility in both music and television. In 1998, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Q8ZfreUQfvc\">Dana International<\/a> made history as the first transgender winner for Israel \u2013 an incredible achievement considering the lack of trans representation at the time.<\/p>\n<figure>\n            <iframe width=\"440\" height=\"260\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hfjHJneVonE?wmode=transparent&#038;start=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>In 2007, Ukranian drag queen <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hfjHJneVonE\">Verka Serduchka<\/a> impressed audiences with the catchy Dancing Lasha Tumbai, placing second in the grand final. In fact, the art of drag would continue to be popular with Eurovision audiences, when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=SaolVEJEjV4\">Conchita Wurst<\/a> won the contest for Austria with Bond-like ballad Rise Like a Phoenix in 2014. <\/p>\n<figure>\n            <iframe width=\"440\" height=\"260\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8fvLtTRzdHw?wmode=transparent&#038;start=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>There have also been a number of memorable moments of LGBTQ+ representation during the event. In 2013, Finland\u2019s entry <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dlBXOveVh7c\">Krista Siegfrids<\/a> kissed a female dancer during her grand final performance of Marry Me, a protest against her government\u2019s rejection of same-sex marriage.<\/p>\n<p>In an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/arts-entertainment\/music\/news\/eurovision-2013-to-feature-first-lesbian-kiss-in-protest-against-lack-of-gay-marriage-legislation-8621231.html\">interview<\/a> afterwards, Siegfrids declared that the performance was structured to promote \u201clove and tolerance\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure>\n            <iframe width=\"440\" height=\"260\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dlBXOveVh7c?wmode=transparent&#038;start=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<h2>Drive for change<\/h2>\n<p>Although politics is mostly banned at Eurovision (Ukraine\u2019s President Zelensky has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes.co.uk\/article\/zelensky-eurovision-2023-speech-ukraine-kf3rn5m25\">barred from addressing the event<\/a> this year), Siegfrid\u2019s performance demonstrated how Eurovision could represent a platform of protest, and how it can be used as a potential drive for political and cultural change.<\/p>\n<p>It is evident that LGBTQ+ people have taken centre stage at Eurovision. It is not just an extravagant spectacle of camp, but a place to be seen, a place where LGBTQ+ performers can be successful, accepted and supported by an array of fans.<\/p>\n<p>This is particularly notable when there are still anti-LGBTQ+ policies in existence in many European countries (including Russia, Belarus, Turkey and Hungary) and some countries are becoming increasingly hostile environments for transgender people (including the UK). Turkey departed the contest in 2012, with Turkish broadcaster TRT stating LGBTQ+ prevalence as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hurriyetdailynews.com\/turkey-to-return-eurovision-if-no-more-bearded-divas-135427\">key cause of their withdrawal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In 2014 drag artist Conchita Wurst was heavily criticised for taking part, with Russian politician Vladimir Zhiriovsky labelling her win as \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepinknews.com\/2014\/05\/11\/russian-mp-conchita-wurst-winning-eurovision-is-the-end-of-europe\/\">the end of Europe<\/a>\u201d. Wurst has since been hailed by Eurovision fans as an LGBTQ+ icon, whereas Russia is now banned from entering the competition following its invasion of Ukraine. <\/p>\n<p>Eurovision producers are clearly aware of their prominent LGBTQ+ fandom, and are actively working to ensure it is a safe and welcoming place. And this will be no different during Liverpool\u2019s turn as host this year.<\/p>\n<figure>\n            <iframe width=\"440\" height=\"260\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XAEjQXzW4Uc?wmode=transparent&#038;start=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The Eurovision committee have planned a number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeout.com\/uk\/news\/liverpool-has-announced-its-eurovision-programme-and-its-just-as-extra-as-youd-expect-032823\">events<\/a>, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/theguideliverpool.com\/upcoming_events\/eurofestival-queerovision\/#:%7E:text=Queerovision%20will%20be%20sharing%20visual,world's%20largest%20multicultural%20music%20festival.\">Queerovision<\/a>, an online event showcasing the best of Liverpool\u2019s Queer fringe, as well as a number of gay club events and after parties.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s slogan, \u201cUnited by Music\u201d, predominantly refers to the UK hosting on behalf of Ukraine, but it can possess wider connotations: the unity of Europe and LGBTQ+ people. Whether Eurovision exists as a camp and glitzy spectacle, a major platform of LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, or a beacon of self-expression amongst fans, the contest\u2019s impact on LGBTQ+ communities around the world is abundantly clear.<\/p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/profiles\/matt-weaver-1325943\">Matt Weaver<\/a>, PhD Candidate in Film, Media &#038; Communication, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/institutions\/university-of-portsmouth-1302\">University of Portsmouth<\/a><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>This article is republished from <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\">The Conversation<\/a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/the-gay-world-cup-why-lgbtq-audiences-love-eurovision-205524\">original article<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Matt Weaver, University of Portsmouth In 1956, seven European countries \u2013 Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and West Germany \u2013 gathered in<a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/mpelembe.net\/index.php\/the-gay-world-cup-why-lgbtq-audiences-love-eurovision\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3196,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"googlesitekit_rrm_CAowu7GVCw:productID":"","_crdt_document":"","activitypub_content_warning":"","activitypub_content_visibility":"","activitypub_max_image_attachments":3,"activitypub_interaction_policy_quote":"anyone","activitypub_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[2377,7325,2975,2502,7326,722,7328,7327,1562,1399,2474,995,920,7334,7333,7339,7331,7336,7324,4746,7330,3246,7338,7335,471,980,7332,826,1301,7340,811,891,724,723,7337,7329,983,3603],"class_list":["post-3195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-austria","tag-bbc-100-women","tag-belarus","tag-belgium","tag-conchita-wurst","tag-creative-commons","tag-dana-international","tag-eurovision-song-contest","tag-finland","tag-france","tag-hungary","tag-israel","tag-italy","tag-jamie-mcloughlin","tag-jason-manford","tag-krista-siegfrids","tag-lasha-tumbai","tag-lewis-thorp","tag-lgbt-people","tag-liverpool","tag-lugano","tag-luxembourg","tag-lys-assia","tag-matt-weaver","tag-musicians","tag-netherlands","tag-phoenix","tag-russia","tag-singers","tag-susan-sontag","tag-switzerland","tag-turkey","tag-ukraine","tag-united-kingdom","tag-verka-serduchka","tag-vladimir-zhiriovsky","tag-west-germany","tag-zelensky"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/mpelembe.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-20230511-10496-fi0nk7-1024x683.jpg","blog_images":{"medium":"https:\/\/mpelembe.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-20230511-10496-fi0nk7-300x200.jpg","large":"https:\/\/mpelembe.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/file-20230511-10496-fi0nk7-1024x683.jpg"},"ams_acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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