Contestant Johannes Pietsch (JJ), Austria
Despite its long-standing embrace of Pride flags and queer culture, Eurovision has controversially announced a ban on all flags except those representing a contestant’s nation.
This decision, reported by Denmark’s DR (Denmark’s Danish Broadcasting Corporation), specifies that participants in the opening flag parade will be limited to carrying a single flag provided by the Swiss broadcaster, SRG SSR.
The rule change follows last year’s competition where Switzerland’s nonbinary winner, Nemo, brought a nonbinary flag onto the stage, and the European Broadcasting Union, Eurovision’s organizers, has warned of “additional consequences” for any rulebreakers.
Interestingly, while contestants face restrictions on displaying even Pride flags, fans attending the event at the St. Jakobshalle Arena in Basel, Switzerland, will still be allowed to bring any flag they choose, including Pride flags and those of non-participating countries.
This contrast highlights the ongoing tension between Eurovision’s inclusive image, often symbolized by the waving of Pride flags, and the organizers’ attempt to control displays of national and other identities.
Eurovision has a rich history of LGBTQ+ visibility, even before Iceland’s Paul Oscar became the first openly gay contestant in 1997. Ironically, the winner that year was Katrina and the Waves, whose lead singer, Katrina Leskanich, later came out as lesbian.
More recently, Austria’s Conchita Wurst captivated audiences in 2014 with “Rise Like a Phoenix,” and Switzerland’s Nemo, despite the current flag restrictions, won in 2024 while identifying as nonbinary. Nemo reflected on the complexities of the experience, noting both the overwhelming love and moments that felt contrary to the spirit of unity.
This year’s competition features several prominent LGBTQ+ artists who are considered frontrunners, including Johannes Pietsch (JJ) from Austria, Miriana Conte from Malta, and Erika Vikman from Finland.
These artists risk potential penalties by displaying Pride flags on stage, underscoring their commitment to visibility despite the new regulations.
