Camp! Drag queens bring the essence of Eurovision to help LGBTQ+ youth

Eurovision 2020 may have been cancelled physically but drag and cabaret stars from across the United Kingdom and Europe have dusted off their sequins to bring the camp essence of the competition direct to homes across the world.

Friday 15th May, 12 performers will be performing iconic Eurovision songs from the ages for your votes, all to raise funds for the LGBTQ+ charity Albert Kennedy Trust. Performers include Sum Ting Wong and Vinegar Strokes, stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, as well as the European flair of Miss Drag Luxembourg 2019 Madame Yoko. From Sandie Shaw to Lulu, Dami Im to Conchita Wurst, fans will not be disappointed by the breadth of tributes on offer.

In keeping with Eurovision tradition there will be voting by both the public and a specially cultivated jury. Judges include past UK Eurovision entrants Jade Ewen (It’s My Time, 2009), Daz Sampson (Teenage Life, 2006) and Michael Rice (Bigger Than Us, 2019). Meanwhile vocal coach Carrie Grant will be serving up throwback vibes to her performance with the group Sweet Dreams as the UK’s entry in 1983.

As an extra special treat to Eurovision fans the 2017 UK entry, Lucie Jones, will be performing her heart-wrenching ballad ‘Never Give Up On You’ during the interval. Lucie is renowned for her incredible vocal talent, through both The X Factor and her lead roles on the West End, most recently in the musical ‘Waitress’.

The entire event serves as a fundraiser for the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity which supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the uk who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. The charity’s work is even more vital during the current pandemic and they have set up an emergency appeal to enable them to help as many LGBTQ+ young people as possible.

Facts about LGBTQ+ homelessness

Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can lead to young people being made homeless. 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+.

Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+. They’re also more likely to develop substance misuse issues and experience sexual exploitation. This can all take a huge toll on someone’s physical and mental health.

77% of the LGBTQ+ young people AKT work with believe coming out at home was the main factor in causing their homelessness and so it’s vital that they are supported in an environment that is inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.

How it works and how people can join in

The event will be streamed live at 8pm on both Facebook through show hosts The Vixen’s account and on the Eurovision Drag Contest YouTube account.

Facebook stream –  www.facebook.com/The-Vixens-1444604095834692/

YouTube stream: – www.youtube.com/channel/UCQYDo901O9LH2UJe0l6ehag

Facebook event – www.facebook.com/events/677806963020297/

Voting will take place after all 12 performances have aired.

Donations can be made to the Albert Kennedy Trust at any time through this link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eurovisiondragcontest