Wurst: ‘I want to change the way people perceive gay men’
By Josh Haggis
Conchita Wurst has said she hopes she can change the way the world perceives gay men.
The bearded Austrian drag queen, real name Thomas Neuwirth, has become a major talking point across Europe since she won the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen on May 10.
In the latest issue of Attitude, the rising star discusses how she felt when she was vilified by Russia both before and after winning Eurovision, saying:
“I didn’t let it upset me – I was just surprised that people would invest so much time in something they do not like. For example, I do not like Miley Cyrus but I wouldn’t go on her Facebook page and post something nasty about her. I just won’t listen to her music. It’s the same with me. People can listen to my music or they can choose not to. I’m not forcing anyone to listen to me. But I do have to say to all those haters thank you for your attention, you clearly have a lot of time on your hands to spend thinking about little old me.”
Wurst goes on to explain that she is trying to use her new-found platform to help spread a message of “tolerance and acceptance”.
“I’m not sure I can actually change anyone’s minds! I certainly don’t see myself as a role model; I am not perfect but I try to use what I have, the fame and attention to encourage tolerance and acceptance,” Wurst says.
“It’s so sad that even in the 21st century it’s still a topic we have to talk about,” Wurst continues. “The terrible laws in Russia are ridiculous and I hope I can do something to change the way people perceive gay men.”
Read the full interview with Conchita Wurst in the latest issue of Attitude, which features Olympic gymnast Louis Smith on the cover and also includes exclusive interviews with Dolly Parton, Broadway legend Kristen Chenoweth and the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The digital edition is available to download to you iPad or tablet device now, and the print edition of the magazine will be available to pick up in shops from next Wednesday (May 28).
Click here to download the digital version for your iPad or tablet