May 2024 saw the 35th GLAAD Media Awards and the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, providing a lot of opportunity to explore up and coming queer artists!
The GLAAD Media Awards began in 1990, representing content created in 1989. It is the longest running US awards show focusing on various forms of media by queer creative. The GLAAD Media Awards began as a way to celebrate accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. The 2024 Vito Russo Award, which recognizes a person who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ Acceptance, honored Orville Peck. During his acceptance speech, Peck spoke about his experience as a queer country artist, "the kind of country songs I grew up loving were often about heartbreak, heartache, loss, solitude, disappointment, and longing. Feelings that can at times can be big parts of our experiences growing up queer. So you think we'd be a natural fit. There's also a mutual love of drama, flair, adventure and I see a lot of rhinestones sparkling in both communities." Learn more about the GLAAD Media Awards on their website: https://glaad.org/mediaawards/35/
The Eurovision Song Contest began in 1956 based on Italy's Sanremo Music Festival. Eurovision has recently emerged as part of LGBTQ+ culture with increasing representation from diverse queer artists and its campy appeal. Each participating country submits an original song to be performed live. Songs must be 3 minutes or less, released after September of the previous year, and performed live by less than six performers. No instrumental or a cappella songs are allowed. Ireland and Sweden tie for the most wins and Germany has competed the most of any European country. The winning country hosts the following year's competition! Learn more about Eurovision and see all the competitors on their website: https://eurovision.tv/
- KBOO