Eurovision is one of the biggest nights of the year for many LGBTQ+ venues across the UK, providing a fun party opportunity to celebrate music and high camp.
But celebrations will be mixed this year after many high-profile events were canceled in protest of Israel’s participation.
Viewing parties in London and Brighton were called off, and campaigners in Bristol called it quits. called Venues where Eurovision events continue will be monitored by pickets.
Drag performer Krystal, who was scheduled to host a party for 800 people in east London, said she canceled the event in protest, saying Israel’s participation crossed a “red line”.
“I’m a person who has been interested in Palestinian solidarity all my life,” Crystal said. “But like many of us, I’ve become increasingly energized by what I’ve seen over the past few months.”
They said canceling was not an easy decision. “I obviously have a lot of empathy for venues that are caught between trying to keep their doors open and trying to do the right thing. It’s a shame being a queer venue and a queer artist. But overall, I would say the community has been very, very supportive.”
Earlier this week, Royal Vauxhall Tavern, London’s leading LGBTQ+ venue, has announced that it is canceling its planned Eurovision party, saying: We continue to learn about the situation. ”
This follows the cancellation in March of London’s biggest viewing event, Eurovision Party London (EPL), which was due to be held at the Rio Cinema in east London. In the now deleted post, the venue said EPL has been a “beloved partner” for many years, but due to Israel’s participation, the event was not scheduled to be held.
“We will continue to raise money for the charities we support, including Médecins Sans Frontières and Medical Aid to Palestine.”
In Brighton, duke of york movie canceled its Eurovision event this week, telling ticket holders it was being canceled “due to safety concerns for staff and customers.”Brighton’s Palestine Solidarity Campaign called for a decision “Big win.”
There are some others, but venue and pub Events have also been canceled in the city following pressure from campaigners, although some events are still cancelled. to move on.
The European Broadcasting Union, which produces the competition, defended its decision not to ban Israel, saying it was “not a competition between governments”.
“We urge everyone to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue and to support the artists who work tirelessly to share with the world what music and entertainment shows are all about. Masu.”
Israel was asked to change the lyrics of the original statement, which was understood to refer to the October 7 attack. A public vote in Thursday’s semi-finals saw the country advance to Saturday’s final.
The country has been participating in Eurovision since 1973 and has won four times, including most recently in 2018.
