Eurovision artists 'banned from taking Pride flags onto the stage' for 2025 Switzerland competition
Eurovision acts have reportedly been banned from taking Pride flags onto the stage for the 2025 competition in Switzerland.
Bosses of the annual song contest, which is this year taking place in the city of Basel, have issued new flag guidance.
The rules, which have been developed by the Swiss host broadcaster SRG SSR, state that contestants will only be able to bring the official flag of their country into any official Eurovision events, venues or related performances.
This includes the likes of the Opening Ceremony, the Eurovision Village Stage, the Flag Parade, the Green Room and of course the main Eurovision stage.
In a statement provided to Metro, the event states the new guidance is 'in line with other international competitive events'
The competition explained: 'Together we wanted to strike a balance to ensure that our audiences and artists can express their enthusiasm and identities, whilst at the same time provide more clarity for the delegations when it comes to official spaces.'
'Outside of these official spaces the flag policy for delegations is the same as for audiences, where all flags permitted under Swiss law can be used, including Pride flags, and provides plenty of opportunities for the expression of everyone's identities.'
It comes after last year's non-binary winner Nemo had to 'smuggle in' the non-binary flag to the parade after being refused by officials in Malmö, Sweden.
The song contest has long been associated with the LGBTQ community, often called 'Queer Christmas' by fans.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) banned the yellow, white, purple and black striped flag, forcing champion Nemo to 'smuggle' one in.
In a press conference after their win, Nemo was asked about the decision and branded it 'unbelievable', and accused the contest bosses of a 'double standard'.
They said: 'I had to smuggle my flag in because Eurovision said no, but I did it anyway, so I hope some people did that too.
'But, I mean, come on, this is clearly a double standard.'
The EBU received further backlash after the official Eurovision Twitter account shared a photo of Nemo holding the non-binary flag aloft, with the caption: 'Non-binary finery', with fans calling this 'hypocritical'.
MailOnline has contacted Eurovision for comment.
In February, this year's UK Eurovision was revealed as country girl band Remember Monday.
The band, comprising of Charlotte, Holly and Lauren, will perform their song What The Hell Just Happened? in a bid to compete for Eurovision glory next month.
And it isn't the band's first time taking part in a televised competition after they entered The Voice back in 2019 and caught the eye of BBC Radio 2 Breakfast host Scott Mills when they were played on the station last year.
They have also performed at a string of major UK events including Country to Country, The Long Road and Buckle and Boots.
The group are a trio of best friends, who have earned a reputation for their strong vocals and perfectly blended harmonies.
Their entry into the competition marks the first time a girlband will represent the UK for the first time since 1999.
The song, which is out now, is an upbeat pop track full of energy, excitement and drama and was co-written by Billen Ted (Tom Hollings and Sam Brennan), Thomas Stengaard and Julie 'Kill J' Aagaard.
The girls look set to be onto a winning formula as BRIT Award nominees, Billen Ted, have worked with Little Mix, Anne Marie, MNEK and Armin van Buuren to name a few.
Thomas Stengaard previously wrote Denmark's 2013 Eurovision winning song Only Teardrops. Meanwhile, Julie 'Kill J' Aagaard is both a multi-platinum songwriter and a successful experimental pop artist in her own right.
As well as their own brand of empowering pop, Remember Monday have become renowned for their viral melodies on social media. They've amassed over half a million loyal followers and 11.3 million likes on TikTok alone.
The band have skilfully crafted playful acapella takes on the songs of a wide range of artists from Sabrina Carpenter, Queen and Shania Twain, to Wicked.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Thousands of people got a phone alert asking them if I was hot
Jodie had no idea why she was getting so many alerts(Picture: Lexi Murrant) Jodie Sloan was initially mystified when her phone started buzzing with hundreds of notifications from men. Especially as most contained just one word: 'No'. Every time the comedian and content creator refreshed her TikTok, a little red 99+ icon would appear, notifying her of the new comments that seemed to make little sense. However, she was busy doing her first-ever show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so Jodie ignored the comments and got on with her life. It wasn't until a few weeks later when a friend sent her a screenshot from her phone, which showed that TikTok – without Jodie's consent – had sent a picture of her face and a link to one of her videos to thousands (maybe even more) of phones alongside the caption: 'Is she hot?' The answer, according to many, was 'no'. 'It was crazy. I had no clue TikTok was doing this, and then I had a little flood of understanding as to why all these random people were coming to my page and commenting, 'no.' The post had reached this mean side of TikTok. It was just so surreal,' Jodie tells Metro over Zoom from her flat in Edinburgh. TikTok had sent a picture of her face and a link to one of her videos to thousands of users asking, 'Is she hot?' (Picture: TikTok) The Canadian-born 28-year-old had only been in comedy for a few months when she unwillingly went viral in March 2023. After a stint in Australia and New Zealand, Jodie had been studying psychology and art before deciding to make a go as a musical comedian. It all began with a song she wrote about 'situational hotness', where she plays her ukulele and asks whether we are attracted to people because of the circumstances we are in. The song, which was viewed on TikTok more than five million times, asks thorny questions such as: 'Is he hot or is he just the only man in your yoga class? Is he hot or did he just put his hand on the back of your headrest while reversing?' But somehow – and Jodie still doesn't know how – TikTok's notification asked thousands of users if they thought she was hot. The only clue could be that after a follower requested she did a female-version, Jodie posted a video of her playing the ukele asking things like 'Is she hot or is she just good at skiing or surfing…' However, even if it was simply an abridged push notification, it prompted a barrage of abuse. 'It was challenging, confusing, and a bit shocking. And also isolating, because a lot of people around me said it was great publicity. But it's quite a horrible thing to have happen, to have so many people coming to your video telling you whether or not you're hot,' Jodie explains. 'I definitely wondered whether I should take the video down. But then I thought – if I take it down, is that cowardly? It was conflicting.' Jodie was grieving the loss of her mum (Picture: Supplied) 'It made me question my own attractiveness and was a blow to my self-esteem, but at the same time, I felt vain and vapid for caring so much about what people thought of my appearance. It really agitated me, but I felt like I had to compartmentalise it to get on with my life.' Jodie still doesn't know if the original notification was AI-generated or a deliberate ploy to generate engagement, but says she is weirdly grateful it happened to her, and not someone more vulnerable. Even so, as thousands were idly thumbing 'no' on their phones, Jodie was grieving the deaths of her mum and brother, John. Six years earlier, she had lost John, 22, to delusional-based suicide caused by schizophrenia, while her mother, Joanne Holtby, a psychiatrist, had died in 2022 of bowel cancer at the age of 62. She had lost her brother to suicide a few years before (Picture: Supplied) 'I was extremely close to my mum, and losing her after having also lost my brother was incredibly hard. John was only two years older than me and knew me better than anyone, as siblings do, and was just beginning his adult life when he died in such a tragic and shocking manner. It felt like I was facing family heartbreak after heartbreak. 'The notification went out in March, and mum had died in November. So my mind was going to much bigger issues,' she adds. 'There is so much more to care about in life. I had some perspective. I thought – I don't care if all these people online think that I'm not hot when I look so much like my mum. Her features on my face are gifts that I can take with me for the rest of my life. So why would I care what RobloxPro13, or whoever, thinks about my appearance?' Jodie is weirdly grateful it happened to her, and not someone more vulnerable (Picture: Supplied) 'The way I look is the least interesting thing about me. My comedy, what I am trying to say online in my shows, is much more important.' It wasn't Jodie's first brush with misogyny, either. When a standup joke about her being a sapio-sexual [when a person is attracted to someone's intelligence rather than physical appearance] went viral and garnered more than 16 million views, the haters quickly piled on with vomit emojis, telling her 'shut up b****', and that women should stay in the kitchen instead of trying comedy. 'I deleted some of the most misogynistic comments. I don't mind people telling me I'm not funny or that they didn't like a joke of mine, that's just their opinion – but saying it's because I'm a woman is wrong and, in my opinion, hate speech,' she explains. 'Your immediate bodily reaction to getting hate online is that fight or flight feeling. I remember being scared to walk down the street afterwards, even though, logically, you know that doesn't make sense. But I was getting so many hateful messages, from men mostly, that it just makes you feel the world is unsafe.' Over time, Jodie has come to learn that most of the vitriol stays behind the screen. Her songs – many of which can be firmly classified as NSFW – take a funny look at f***boys, anal sex, masturbation – but hidden beneath the humour is a layer of feminist rage. Jodie's comedy takes a funny look at f***boys, anal sex, masturbation (Picture: Supplied) 'I'm angry in general about the state of the world, patriarchy, AI and the lack of laws surrounding it, which is putting women in a lot of danger with things like revenge porn and deep fakes. I'm angry at violence against women. 'And,' she adds, 'I'm angry at cancer.' But she's also happy finding her new community, exploring the British comedy circuit with her Glaswegian comic boyfriend, and she knows her mum would be proud of her. Plus, there was one recent surprise notification that Jodie was pleased to get, following a video she'd posted of a song about actor Gillian Anderson. 'I was walking down the street, and I got this notification saying Gillian Anderson liked your video. And I just thought: 'What?! This doesn't seem like it should be allowed to happen. But I love her and how she's really sex positive for women. Gillian later posted a reaction video to her song, which was 'wild'. @gilliana dear diary, today i learned what a reaction video is. Thank you @Jodie Sloan for your lovely song! Can I be you when I grow up? ♬ original sound – Gillian Anderson 'I was awestruck. Just as I was surprised to get thousands of messages assessing my hotness, I was so shocked to get that response from Gillian Anderson. I really didn't expect it. 'There are so many highs and lows with this industry – that was definitely a career high.' Jodie's debut show 'Is She Hot?' previews at Pleasance London on 4th July at 7.40pm, and can also be seen at the Edinburgh Fringe at Pleasance Courtyard. Metro has reached out to TikTok for comment. Arrow MORE: I was taken to the airport 3 times and told I'd be deported Arrow MORE: We were best friends — until we went on holiday together Arrow MORE: I name and shame Tattle gossip trolls – and even tell their bosses
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
'Queer stories in period dramas aren't seen often – everyone was kissing'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Meaningful LGBTQ+ representation in the period genre is few and far between, but Apple TV Plus' hit series The Buccaneers is determined to show 'queer people have always existed.' The period drama with a modern twist – based on classic novelist Edith Wharton's unfinished novel of the same name – has returned for a second season after a popular first run. The new episodes will expand on the LGBTQ+ representation we've seen so far, with lead star Josie Totah telling Metro just how much this storyline means to her in a new interview. Set in the late 19th century, the show follows the antics of New York debutantes Conchita (Alisha Boe), Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag), Mabel (Josie), Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) and Nan (Kristine Froseth), who are shipped off to London to find husbands with good status. The first season introduces the audience to Mabel, a single woman who's less interested in getting hitched to the most eligible bachelor and more interested in kissing beautiful women. She meets Honoria (portrayed by Mia Threapleton) and the pair soon strike up a secret relationship, stealing quiet moments of intimacy among the highs and lows of their friends' romantic woes. 'It meant a lot because you don't really get to see those queer stories in the period [genre],' Josie explained. 'There's Portrait of a Lady On Fire, and Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan did Ammonite, but there's not a lot of them, so it's cool to do something that isn't done.' With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! There has been a steady increase in how much LGBTQ+ representation we see in this genre on TV – especially when it comes to women. Shows like Dickinson and Gentleman Jack have previously centred sapphic relationships, while Netflix's huge hit Bridgerton has promised a female love interest for Francesca (although her season likely won't be out for quite a few years yet). The lives of LGBTQ+ people were a matter of public discourse in the late 19th century, an era defined by the works of gay playwright Oscar Wilde and his subsequent trial in 1895 for 'gross indecency' – an act that was passed in 1885. As coined by Wilde's lover, it was the 'love that dares not speak its name'. There are plenty of documented members of the LGBTQ+ community from this era, including Fanny Graham, 22, and Stella Boulton, 21, who were trans women persecuted by the law. In fact, one of Queen Victoria's favourites, Princess Catherine Hilda Duleep Singh, was also known to be living with a female lover, her former governess, Lina, for several years in Germany. This time period saw everything from drag balls to stunning queer literature. However, it's an area ripe for the picking with a richness that is yet to be explored in its entirety on screen. It's a legacy Josie is thrilled to be building on. She continued: 'For queer and gay people who existed back then, they should be seen as well. They were around. Everyone was kissing back then and it's cool to see.' More Trending Her co-star Alisha Boe, who plays budding matchmaker Conchita, echoed: 'Queer and gay people have always existed.' This two-season drama is based on real-life figure Anne Lister and is set in Halifax in 1832 who is determined to 'find herself a wife' when she meets the alluring Ann Walker. Not only do we see Victorian lesbians living their best lives, but it is a great gateway into learning all about the actual Anne Lister's fascinating backstory. Gentleman Jack is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Based on the real-life accounts of famed poet Emily Dickinson, this tongue-in-cheek Apple TV Plus series dares to imagine what exactly was going on between Emily (Hailee Steinfeld) and her sister-in-law Susan Gilbert (Ella Hunt). Lifting from her corpus of work and private letters between the pair, as well as outside accounts of Emily's life, this offers a fun and fresh take on this historical figure's life. Dickinson is available to stream on Apple TV Plus. One of the earlier forms of LGBTQ+ representation in period TV dramas is Thomas Barrow's character in ITV series. Although this starts off as an underexplored and often depressing, storyline, with six seasons and two movies (and a third on the way), we see his character go on a journey that ultimately makes it worth the watch. Downton Abbey is available to stream on Netflix. Based on the 1992 movie, the Amazon Prime series set in 1940s America follows an all-female baseball league and, needless to say, plenty of queer shenanigan's ensue. The show is packed with LGBTQ+ relationships in all their shapes and forms as a ragtag baseball team attempts to make their mark on American history and live their true lives. A League of Their Own is available to stream on Amazon Prime. This pirate drama is set in the early 18th century and follows Captain Flint and his crew as they sail the dangerous seas. Along the way, we encounter actual historical figures from the era and, as can be expected for a rambunctious group of seafarers, there's plenty of romance, with several LGBTQ+ relationships and characters taking centre stage. Black Sails is available to stream on Amazon MGM Plus. In the second season we check back in with Mabel and Honoria who must navigate the increased pressures of a heteronormative society and questions around what their futures look like – together and apart. Set in the 1870s, the women must battle societal prejudice, messy love triangles and friendship dramas if they want to survive the high-stakes world of upper-class Victorian England. View More » The Buccaneers season two episode one is out now with episodes airing every Wednesday. Season one is available to stream. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Every single season of The Traitors around the world and how to watch MORE: TV show 'better than Line of Duty' confirms season 7 before fifth is out MORE: I ran a lad's mag – now I've embraced my trans identity
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Seven 'brilliant' queer shows to binge-watch this Pride month
June is Pride month, and what better thing to throw on your screen than some of the best LGBTQIA+ series out there, from reality shows to period dramas and romance? Pride month is officially here, and for those days you're not spent celebrating with friends at festivals and parades, you can still embrace the moment while cosied up at home. Turn on your TV, tuck into your blanket and allow these queer shows to add a touch of magic to your month. Whether you're wanting to see some familiar queer faces in a reality TV show or fall in love on screen, there's so much great LGBTQIA+ storytelling waiting to be shared. To make life a little easier, we've compiled a quick list of what there is on offer, across all genres, that you may not have seen just yet. Overcompensating (Amazon Prime) This new addition from Amazon Prime is the talk of the town this month, as the comedy drama sees a guest appearance from Charli XCX. Not to mention, a whole load of cameos from online queer comedians, including the creator and lead actor, Benito Skinner, better known as Bennydrama. Viewers can watch him star as a high school jock, fresh into college at Yates University, grappling with his sexuality. The popular kid is a closeted gay guy and finds himself in all kinds of situations to mask his true identity and fit in with his heterosexual classmates. Feel Good (Netflix) Feel Good is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama created by and starring Mae Martin. The non-binary actor plays a fictionalised version of themself as they struggle to cope with addiction and their attachment to their girlfriend George. Charlotte Richie, known for her roles in Fresh Meat and Call The Midwife, stars as Mae's complicated partner whom they live with. In a series of hilarious, quintessentially British and awkward moments, George struggles to come out to her loved ones but falls madly in love with Mae. The touching TV show also stars none other than Friends actress Lisa Kudrow, who plays Mae's over-the-top Canadian mother. Queer Eye (Netflix) The 2018 reboot of an old reality show saw Queer Eye turn into an impressive nine-season run, with its all-LGBTQ+ hosts gaining traction worldwide. Five experts in their fields – fashion, grooming, interiors, cooking, and lifestyle – transform the lives of everyday people in an attempt to improve their lives, using their years of experience and knowledge. Travelling across the US, the Fab Five team are met with people from all walks of life, including those that may even have views against the queer community, where they face an even bigger task. It is emotional and heartwarming as you see people who don't take the time for themselves be given the gift of compassion, care and, of course, a whole new makeover. It's A Sin (Channel 4) One short series packs in a strong punch in what is a highly acclaimed show with an outstanding cast. It's a Sin is set in 1980s London, during the AIDS crisis, and follows the lives of young men, who moved to the city in search of a new life and were met with tragedy. While the series is a celebration of the queer community in the 80s, it retells a vital and heartbreaking story of the young homosexual men that lost their lives to AIDS. Not only that, but it deals with the prejudice the community faced as a result of the HIV virus at the time. Killing Eve (BBC iPlayer) Killing Eve is an unstoppable spy thriller that follows an investigator tasked with capturing an insane assassin, Villanelle. As she chases down her latest case, her obsession becomes stronger, and Villanelle enjoys the thrill of being wanted. Each episode sees their unusual connection grow into toxic mind games that leave you questioning what is genuine and what is all one big mind game. The first two series were critically acclaimed, starring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, who went on to win numerous BAFTA Awards and Golden Globes for their roles. The obsessive pair's violent, emotional and sexual relationship grows and flows throughout the four seasons of the show, and all of them are available to binge-watch on BBC iPlayer and Netflix. Heartstopper (Netflix) This is a heart-warming coming-of-age show, based on a teen fiction novel with the same name, that tells the touching story of two young boys falling in love. It deals with a group of teenagers as they face coming out, friendship struggles, first times, sexuality and identity. Heartstopper gained critical acclaim and high praise for its tasteful portrayal of LGBTQ+ people and went on to receive a number of Emmy nominations. Within just a few days of its release, it became one of the top ten most-watched English language shows on Netflix and remains a staple queer show for many TV fans. Gentleman Jack (BBC iPlayer) A period drama based around a 19th-century lesbian love affair, Gentleman Jack is seeped in history and makes for the perfect binge-watch. Set in the Yorkshire hills during the 1830s, it follows Anne Lister, an industrialist and landowner, whose real-life diaries helped to build the plot of the show. Decades upon decades later, the diaries were discovered, many of which were written in a secret code that details a lifetime of the businesswoman's lesbian relationships. Each episode takes you on a journey, based on these stories, in what becomes a sensual and steamy romance.
