Ten Reasons Why Conchita Should Win

From the International Business Times:

1. It will upset the Russians. Vitaly Milonov, the politician who was behind Russia's strict anti-gay propaganda law, has been reported as saying that "pervert" Wurst would "insult millions of Russians" by taking part in the "Europe-wide gay parade". Russia is expected to suffer in the voting because of its stance on homosexuality and the current crisis in Ukraine. The Ukrainian entry received rousing cheers during the semi-finals, while Russia's Tolmachevy Twins were booed.

2. It will upset homophobes in Eastern Europe. Protesters in Armenia and Belarus have created petitions asking their national broadcasters to edit Conchita out of the live broadcast, though the European Broadcasting Union wouldn't allow that.

3. It would upset Austrian right-wing politicians like Heinz-Christian Strache, FPO leader. During the national selection process he called Conchita "ridiculous" and threw his support behind another entry, Alf Poier, who said Conchita needed psychiatric help. The Austrian media quoted Poier as saying: "If someone doesn't know if they're a man or a woman, they should go to a psychotherapist rather than to the song contest."

Hit the link for the rest. (Via JMG reader Polish Bear)

ARMENIA: Bar Bombed Over Owner's Participation In A Gay Pride Parade

Last week a gay-friendly bar in Armenia was fire-bombed, reportedly because the owner is an LGBT rights activist who once marched in a gay pride parade. The suspects have been bailed out by members of parliament.

A homemade bomb this month targeted a bar, called “DIY,” which is seen as a haven for “free thinkers” and welcomes the often-shunned gay community of Yerevan. The hate crime, which happened just two days after the parliamentary elections, has given way to controversy, as ARF MPs Artsvik Minasyan and Hrayr Karapetyan reportedly posted the one million dram (approximately USD 2,500) bail to free the assailants. The attackers, Iranian-Armenian brothers Hampig and Mgrdich (also referred to as Arame) Khapazian, are said to have targeted bar owner Tsomak Oganesova for her activism in the LGBT community, and her participation in a Gay Pride Parade in Turkey. No one happened to be at the bar at the time of the attack, which happened during the early morning hours on May 8. However, substantial damage was reported to the walls and furniture, which were burned from the bomb.

Other attackers returned to the bar yesterday to paint swastikas on its walls. Two more men were arrested. (Tipped by JMG reader Roger)