Eurovision has long been a beacon for the LGBTQIA+ community — a glittering spectacle where queerness isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated. From Dana International to Conchita Wurst to last year’s non-binary winner Nemo, the contest has been a stage for queer joy, resilience, and visibility.
But this year, the spotlight dims.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has introduced a new rule for Eurovision 2025: artists will only be permitted to display the national flag of the country they represent. Pride flags? Banned. Palestinian flags? Banned. Ukrainian flags — symbols of ongoing international solidarity? Also banned. This restriction applies to the stage, the Green Room, the Eurovision Village, and even the glamorous “Turquoise Carpet” ceremony.
Audience members will still be allowed to wave flags of their choosing, as long as they don’t violate Swiss law — but for the artists, silence is the rule.
The EBU claims this is about neutrality and avoiding political statements. Yet many see it as a betrayal of what Eurovision has come to represent. Last year, Nemo had to smuggle in a non-binary flag — a small act of resistance that now feels more urgent than ever.
Swiss LGBTQ+ group Pink Cross called the new rule “a slap in the face.” Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS has officially appealed the decision, insisting that Pride and other solidarity flags are symbols of inclusion, not division.
Banning these flags sends a clear message — and not the kind Eurovision should be known for. Whether it’s queer rights, support for Ukraine, or visibility for stateless and occupied peoples, these banners matter. They tell stories. They give hope.
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