Eurovision LGBTQ+ fans can’t wait for the competition to bring “spectacles, drama and joy” to the city.
Ahead of the show in May, the ECHO spoke with members of the LGBTQ+ community as to why so many of the community love the show. And for Simon Clark, who lived in Toxteth, it's partly because of the show's “campness” that he is obsessed with it, especially the “over-the-top and over-kilter” performances which come with it. But, for others, it's the contest's “welcoming and diverse” nature which appeals to them.
Simon, a former University of Liverpool student, told the ECHO: “It's nice to be seen, especially when you're from a background which isn't accepting of LGBTQ+ people. For me, this was an extremely religious community but for others, this might mean their home country. So for not just a singer to acknowledge you but for a cultural institution, it helps with building an avid LGBTQ+ fanbase.
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"But as much as it's interesting to think about why LGBTQ+ folk might be drawn to the contest, at the moment I just feel it's the joy of being with my queer friends in a shared and uplifting experience. That's never left me.”
Many in the community have been watching the show for as long as they can remember. However, for Simon he can’t pinpoint the year he became obsessed with the competition but rather it “emerges as a constant from the murk” of his childhood memory.
The 32-year-old scientist said: “It just brings a lot of joy. My favourite part is celebrating with your friends, each person vying for their favourites to succeed, only to have everything rocked when the judges' opinion somehow doesn't match your own. So, I guess it's the emotional journey which really captures what I love.
"The ups and downs of watching a competition whilst partying with friends, cocktail-fuelled debates with strangers, getting exposed to new music and cultures and ruining your voice shouting. Plus, it's the quickest way for me to discover new artists and music beyond an industry dominated by the English language. My gym playlist is pure Eurovision nonsense for months after.”
He added: “Inevitably the campest performances rise to the top for me: Ukraine's Verka stomping around the stage in drag, the Russian Grannies, and Poland's enthusiastic butter churning always lead the conversation when I introduce someone to Eurovision. But it's not just the big moments which still make me smile: Jade Ewen getting bonked in the face by a violinist, or Germany hiring Dita von Teese but only giving her screen time at the tail-end of the performance is up there too.”
As soon as the UK was mentioned as holding the competition on behalf of Ukraine it planted a “little seed of hope” that Liverpool would host, but Simon “didn't want to believe in case it didn't happen”. As a result of Simon’s adoration for the show, he is returning to the city sooner than expected having left to move to Munich, Germany, at the tail-end of the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Simon said: “Returning to the UK was always on the cards but I thought it was something to do in the vague future. Eurovision drawing me back was a funny twist of fate - after missing it in Italy last year I was determined to go to the 2023 contest, and my thoughts had strayed into thinking I would be visiting somewhere new and - hopefully - hot. But nope - back to Liverpool and I'm not complaining unless I have to fight a seagull off my bap outside the Anglican again.
“Liverpool was my home for so many years, and the coming together of somewhere close to my heart with such a passion of mine felt like the stars were aligning. And then they did. Obviously, I was very happy. Within minutes I was asking a friend whether I could fly back and stay at their place. I managed to secure some floor space for the week; I'm sure the back pain will be worth it.”
Similar to Simon’s friend, Ben Curnow, who lives in Willaston, Wirral, will be offering up his home to his friends for the week. The 32-year-old is hosting seven, including himself, in his two-bedroom flat over the seven-day celebration period. His friends are travelling from all over the UK including London, Manchester and Blackpool.
The veterinary surgeon told the ECHO: “Eurovision for me is like a sport. It's a competition, but full of joy, colour, and above all unity. It takes all the best things from sports and ultimately, the competition is fun. Singing brings joy and it just so happens that pop music is camp, and therefore we automatically think Eurovision is camp by nature. I find the competition more welcoming and diverse as opposed to purely camp.”
Ben’s earliest memory of the show dates back to 2003 when his parents were out. Home alone, the then 12-year-old was “determined to stay up late” to watch Russia’s music duo entry t.A.T.u, who would later place 3rd in the competition.
Ben, who is originally from Surrey, added: “By the end, I thought the whole show was totally crazy, but I loved every minute of it. When Liverpool was announced as this year's host, I ran around my workplace screaming ‘it's happening’. Now, I’m looking forward to showing the world what a vibrant and welcoming city Liverpool can be. I have loved living here and would love others to appreciate that too.”
The Bristol University graduate is hoping to get his hands on semi-final tickets but is most excited about the Eurovision village at Pier Head and “meeting other fans”.
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