The LGBTQ World Cup is just around the corner and our Spotify lists have been playing non-stop vintage Eurovish for weeks. This year in Kyiv we will be celebrating diversity and so we went through our back collection (it took a while … #choonz) to compile a list of our top five LGBTQ entries from over the years. Enjoy!
5) Paul Oscar – Minn Hinsti Dans (1997)
Repping for Iceland in 1997, Paul Oscar was the first openly gay artist to compete at the ESC. Although the song only reached number 20 in the final, it marked a moment of queer visibility on the Eurovision stage that was built on over the decades.
4) Marija Serifovic – Molitva (2007)
Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Serbia in 2007, Marija Serifovic became an instant dykon (yes. we went there). Although Marija did not come out until 2013, Molitva’s undeniably queer staging and performance made this a worthy winner and a proud moment for queer Eurovish fans.
3) Conchita Wurst – Rise like a Phoenix (2014)
Who can forget the moment our favourite bearded lady stole everyone’s hearts in Copenhagen? Conchita is a proud and open advocate for LGBT rights (#weareunity) and her Bond style entry soared to victory in 2014. Although sources say it might be the end of the road for Conchita, we hope to see much more from her creator Tom Neuwirth.
2) Loreen – Euphoria (2012)
Proud bisexual Loreen won the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest with a total of 372 points and a jaw dropping 18 countries awarding her the coveted douze point. Recently coming out as bi on Swedish TV, the pop star said she ‘falls in love with human beings rather than a certain gender’. Swoon.
1) Dana International – Diva (1998)
There is no way we could have compiled this list without honouring the incredible Dana International, winner of the 1998 ESC in Birmingham. Assigned male at birth, Dana was the first trans competitor to represent their country. She has since gone on to become one of Israel’s most successful music acts and will always be our number one Eurovision Diva.