What Really Happened at Eurovision? Dana International (Episode 2)

<p>Before even landing at Eurovision in Birmingham, Israel’s Dana International had to stare down her critics: The Orthodox community at home wanted the transgender singer banned from the contest. Conservative politicians called her an abomination, but European viewers embraced her — naming her their winner in the first contest that mandated televoting.</p> <p>To mark the 25th anniversary of her win, this episode looks at queerness on the Eurovision stage and how the contest reflects a radical shift in public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people across Europe. Long before gay marriage was legalized and transgender rights were encoded in law anywhere on the continent, the contest was already celebrating marginalized voices.</p> <p>“My victory proves God is on my side,” she said after her surprise win. “Try to accept me — I am what I am.”</p>