A RESEARCH study at Bournemouth University will explore fans’ experiences of culture, safety and inclusion at Eurovision.

Dr Jane Healy, principle Academic at Bournemouth University and project leader, said the aim is to understand why the event is so popular with those in the LGBTQI+ community.

“Watching Eurovision last year, I was really taken by how it's such an inclusive and positive event - it seemed particularly so for those who might be targeted or victimised in the course of their lives because of who they are and how they identify,” Dr Healy said.

From there, the researchers wanted to understand why people from ‘minority’ groups found themselves being the majority at events such as Eurovision.

Bournemouth Echo: Opening ceremony of the Eurovision semi-final dress rehearsal at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.Opening ceremony of the Eurovision semi-final dress rehearsal at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. (Image: PA Media)

“I wanted to explore how Eurovision made people feel, and what it is about Eurovision that draws them to it,” said Dr Haley.

The 2023 Eurovision Singing Contest is being held in Liverpool this week, where Dr Haley will be conducting observations and interviews with fans.

As well as gender identity, the project will be studying how LGBTQI+ overlaps with nationality, ethnicity and ability.

The researchers are collecting surveys from fans, alongside interviews, and are encouraging everyone to take part “regardless of how they identify.”