Conchita Wurst: I’m not comfortable being called a gay icon
Eurovision diva Conchita Wurst has said she doesn’t feel deserving of the title ‘gay icon’.
The bearded Austrian singer was speaking ahead of her performance at the Eurovision Song Contest’s 60th Anniversary show, after taking home the crown in Copenhagen last year.
Wurst – who has performed for both the United Nations and European Parliament to promote LGBT inclusivity – said: “I’m not really comfortable, if I’m honest, because I don’t see myself as an icon.
“It’s an honour to be called that, obviously, but I think to be an icon or to be a role model you need to have made an effort… and it takes no effort to be myself.
“So I think that I will keep on speaking out about my beliefs, and I will keep on fighting for what I think is right, and if there are people out there who want to join me, then I will welcome them very warmly.”
At the event she also took to the stage alongside Israeli star Dana International – the first transgender woman to win Eurovision.
The pair performed a cover of ABBA’s hit ‘Waterloo’ holding hands, as part of a medley of Eurovision songs.
The special show was filmed at the Hammersmith Apollo, and will be broadcast to 25 countries across Europe. It will air on BBC1 at 9pm on Friday.
The 60th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna, on May 23.
