Growing up, I wouldn’t have classed myself as a big Eurovision fan. I’ve never been to a Eurovision party, tuned in for the semi-finals or listened to any of the acts before the main event.
But within 48 hours of my arrival this week in Liverpool – home of Eurovision 2023 – I was a convert, yet another LGBTQ+ person who loves Eurovision.
How did this happen? Was I simply star struck after bumping into Finland’s Käärijä – the bookies’ choice to win this year – backstage at the EuroVillage?
It was partly the warm welcome rolled out by Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community as I toured the city’s Pride Quarterwith my notebook in search of quotes.