‘Are you sure you’re not gay?’: Straight and bisexual male experiences of Eurovision Song Contest fandom

Abstract

The Eurovision song Contest (ESC), amongst others, recognises lesbian, gay, bisexual and, trans (LGBT) people internationally. Limited attention has been paid in understanding bisexual and straight male engagement with the event. This article examines how these fans experience shame around their fandom. It argues that the cultural contestation and the associations of the ESC as a widely perceived gay pastime determine how bisexual and straight male fans make visible their fandom. This paper explores how these fans negotiate their fan and sexual identities in domestic and public spaces, and through digital objects, such as laptops, televisions, and social media platforms. It reflects on the positionality of the gay male fan researcher when conducting interviews with straight male ESC fans. The findings prompt further discussions regarding the technological distinctions between social media ‘apps’ and how users use their respective interfaces to limit exposure to shaming for their fandom and/or sexual orientation. This also includes further examination of the digital objects through which apps are accessed and how they shape socio-sexual lives and identities.