Life

UN secretary general, Austria’s Conchita Wurst call for end to LGBT bias

VIENNA -- U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has joined Austrian cross-dressing pop star Conchita Wurst in calling for an end to bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Wurst teamed up with Ban on Monday on the sidelines of a U.N. conference to deliver their message of tolerance.
By · Updated on November 6, 2014
UN secretary general, Austria’s Conchita Wurst call for end to LGBT bias
Austrian singer and Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, right, wave after Wurst's performance during the Secretary-General's visit to the United Nations in Vienna at the International Center in Vienna, Austria, Monday, Nov. 3, 2014.
Austrian singer and Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, right, wave after Wurst’s performance during the Secretary-General’s visit to the United Nations in Vienna at the International Center in Vienna, Austria, Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. Ronald Zak, AP

VIENNA — U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has joined Austrian cross-dressing pop star Conchita Wurst in calling for an end to bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Wurst teamed up with Ban on Monday on the sidelines of a U.N. conference to deliver their message of tolerance.

Ban told reporters that he will continue his fight “against transphobia and homophobia.”

Article continues below

“I stand strong for equality,” Ban said. “We are unstoppable,” he added, quoting Wurst’s words on the night of her victory at this year’s Eurovision song contest.

The bearded Austrian diva said she dreamt of “a future where we don’t have to talk about sexual orientation or the color of your skin.”

And, of course, she sang “Rise Like a Phoenix,” the song that won her the Eurovision prize.

© 2014, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:
Life
Ban Ki Moon Conchita Wurst United Nations (UN)

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Religious institutions struggle to find their place amid advances in LGBT rights

Previous article

Russian memorial to Steve Jobs dismantled after Apple CEO comes out

Next article

More in Life