When Ukraine takes part in Eurovision on 13 May, its frontline LGBT troops will be taking inspiration.
By Jack LamportAs 2022 Eurovision winner, Ukraine is guaranteed a place in the Eurovision final on 13 May. When TVORCHI takes the stage in host city Liverpool, it will be a moment to savour for the country's LGBT troops.
This is the reality for Antonina, who identifies as non-binary and who, with her partner of nine years Oleksandr, took the decision to leave their lives as theatre directors in Kyiv and fight the Russian army. "Another world" is how Oleksandr describes it. "We are looking forward to seeing Ukraine perform in Eurovision this year," says Oleksandr. "We've had very difficult times. And Eurovision is like a breath of fresh air… because when you see people doing what they like, and enjoying what they're doing and that life is still going on… When you see people in Europe supporting Ukraine: that's very important. Especially when you're on the front line.
Both soldiers have fond memories of Kalush Orchestra's triumph, winning Eurovision for Ukraine in 2022. By then, daily life involved taking cover in bomb shelters. "It felt like a miracle that Kalush had a chance to represent Ukraine with dignity," says Oleksandr. "I thought, 'Oh my god, we won Eurovision, we're going to win this war!'" he laughs.
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