If Love was a Crime: How the ESC is crucial for a community on the margins.

In the final unit of the elective, we examine LGBTQ+ representation at Eurovision. While the contest is just a fun way to spend an evening for some people, it has become crucial for those people who continue to face discrimination in certain corners of Europe.

From coded songs in the 60s to overt celebrations of queer identity, Eurovision has allowed a marginalized community to see themselves represented on an international stage. In recent years, however, countries with dubious track-records on LGBTQ+ rights, have used gay tropes to earn votes at Eurovision.

We watch and discus entries from Luxembourg, Slovenia, Israel, Austria, Poland and Russia - and ask how the contest will evolve in its relationship with the gay community.