The Eurovision Song Contest has long been seen as an international symbol of gay and transgender visibility, representation and diversity. But what is it that draws people from these communities to Eurovision and what are their experiences like?
Bournemouth University research, funded by the British Academy, has explored LGBTQI+ representation at Eurovision and to what extent other elements of identity – such as nationality, dis/ability and ethnicity - are represented.
Artwork created as part of the project, sharing participant insights Dr Jane Healy, Principal Academic in Criminology at BU, led the project, which consisted of a survey and interviews with fans, Eurovision podcasters, academics, media, and artists and officials from Eurovision delegations.
Dr Healy also travelled to the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool in 2023, when the UK hosted on behalf of Ukraine, and Malmö in 2024 to experience and reflect on the atmosphere and fan experiences first-hand.
“The contest gives fans ‘a sense of belonging for all’ by bringing together history, longevity, inclusivity and diversity, music and culture, and feeding into a sense of safety and shared identity,” said Dr Healy.
“Eurovision is a huge part of many fans’ childhood, and they share recollections of families getting together to watch it each year, and of how, for some, their exposure to Eurovision began a journey into greater awareness of Queer identities, and of being exposed to a wealth and variety of enthralling music and culture from other countries.”
Artwork created as part of the project, sharing participant insights Participants also shared experiences of Eurovision as a site of inclusion and representation, and a place where they can be themselves without judgement.
They applauded the diversity of performers, languages and cultures, and how it unites people, as well as how Eurovision offers the opportunity to learn about other cultures, traditions and practices.
Many described the contest as giving them a sense of safety through unity and belonging – though this has been more challenging for some with recent events.
Last year’s event in Malmö was overshadowed by protest marches and objections to Israel’s participation, as well as banning certain flags, and left many complaining about the decisions made by the broadcasting union, the EBU, to include Israel’s participation.
Dr Healy said: “Eurovision has become a safe and accepting space for many minority groups, but fans have felt let down and disenfranchised by the events of the past two years. There are lessons we can all take from the acceptance and inclusion of marginalised communities, where everyone is welcomed regardless of gender identity, but there are still barriers, in terms of accessibility and representation of other elements of identity.
“The organisers must listen to their members, and their fans and respect their views. Eurovision can and must do better if it is to maintain its values of inclusivity, equality, and universality – to be united by music”
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Basel, Switzerland from 13th – 17th May following last year’s win by Nemo, whose winning song The Code tells the story of their experience of coming to terms with their non-binary identity.
Dr Healy will be presenting her research at the University of Basel as part of the Eurovisions Conference 2025 – (Un)Fairness in Music – and the Eurovision Song Contest, which takes place on the 13th and 14th May. Access to the conference is free, live in Basel or online.
Find out more about the Eurovision research project at: www.bournemouth.ac.uk/eurovision
