At the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, the European Broadcast Union's (EBU) controversial rule prohibited participants from waving Pride flags on stage. Austrian winner JJ tried to secretly bring a flag into the arena but was caught prior to performing. This marks the third consecutive year with an LGBTQ+ winner, following previous winners Nemo and Loreen, both of whom expressed their discontent over the ban. The decision has sparked confusion and frustration within the LGBTQ+ community, as many see Eurovision as a celebration of diversity and acceptance.
"I had it in my pants pocket, and someone from the organization saw what I was carrying. Just before going on stage, they told me: 'That's not your country's flag, you can't take it out.' I almost succeeded."
"I just don't get it. I think I'm just confused by the decision making process and what the intention behind it is... We don't allow Pride flags. It just doesn't make sense to me, especially in that context."
Collection
[
|
...
]