Bambie Thug: The world is very dangerous for trans and non-binary people right now
Bambie Thug performs the song Doomsday Blue during the dress rehearsal for the first semifinal at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden tonight. Picture: AP Photo/Martin Meissner
Bambie Thug is ready and waiting in the wings at tonight’s Eurovision Song Contest semi-final, hosted this year in Malmö Sweden.
And after last night’s rehearsal, ‘Crown the Witch’ is the phrase on everyone’s lips in Eurovision circles both here, and abroad.
Halfway through their rehearsal performance on Monday, the Cork artist revealed a pink and blue dress, which was hidden underneath their costume.
In an interview post-rehearsal, Bambie confirmed that the move was nod to the trans flag – blue and pink.
When asked why showing support to the flag was important to them, they said: “I am a non-binary person. In the world at the moment, it is very dangerous for trans and non-binary people. And I will show support as much as I can.”
Bambie went on to say that the trans and non-binary community deserve the same rights, the same recognition and the same love as everyone.
“I will scream it from the rooftops forever.”
Referencing the online hate towards their performance, Bambie said: “I was expecting to get hate regardless because unfortunately if you are queer in the world, it just comes on a day-to-day whether you’re in the spotlight or not”.
But fortunately, they feel very safe within their queer family.
“And Eurovision is like the gay Olympics, so I feel very safe here”.
Giving a shoutout to their hometown of Macroom, the Cork artist extended a message to any young person growing up in a small town in Ireland.
“I love you. You’re from a little town but it doesn’t matter where you’re from when you have enough drive and don’t stop,” they said.
“You can do whatever you want and be whoever you want. You don’t have to stick in a box because you’re from a small town."
