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The celebration of same-sex couples was a bold move considering the contest airs in places like Russia that are hostile to LGBTQ people.Â
The international Eurovision Song Contest kicked off this week in Tel Aviv, Israel, and audience members went wild when a kiss cam zeroed in on several same-sex couples during a cover of Bruno Mars's "Just the Way You Are" performed by 1998 Eurovision winner Dana International.
\u201cIn 1998, Dana International won the Eurovision Song Contest, representing Israel.\n\nHer amazing voice and an unbelievable life story changed everything for many around the world.\n\nHer victory helped millions of people to be confident in who they are.\n\n#DareToDream #Eurovision\u201d— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision Song Contest) 1557866595
Eurovision, now more than 60 years old and with more than 50 countries eligible to enter, requires participating countries to submit an original song to be performed on live television and radio.
Votes are then cast to determine a winner. The contest is broadcast primarily in Europe; its airing in places like Russia that are hostile toward LGBTQ people makes the queer kiss cam revolutionary.
In addition to the audience members who cheered as the camera panned to various same-sex couples kissing, social media users praised the inclusivity of the cam.
\u201cRussia had to play those gay kisses on national tv\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\u270a\u270a\u270a #Eurovision\u201d— go.wait.in.the.car (@go.wait.in.the.car) 1557866390
\u201cfirst it was a kiss cam showing 2 men, and then one of the presenters talking about his husband.\nRussian authorities are shitting themselves right now XD\n#Eurovision #Eurovision2019\u201d— Masha Misanthrope (@Masha Misanthrope) 1557867662
\u201cAn image of two men sharing a kiss broadcast to millions across the world. Giving hope to people who live in countries where this simple act is a crime.\n\nThat\u2019s the power of #Eurovision and I absolutely love it.\u201d— Liam Beattie (@Liam Beattie) 1557866438
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