Openly Gay Bilal Hassani to Represent France in Eurovision Despite Homophobic Backlash

19-year-old Bilal Hassani is set to represent France in this year’s upcoming Eurovision contest after winning a massive majority of the public vote during the French selection show ‘Destination Eurovision’.

Hassani failed to win the judges’ support, but was pushed into first place by the public vote, beating out seven of his competitors.

Despite this win, Hassani has been the subject of homophobic vitriol online, with LGBT+ advocacy groups SOS Homophobie and Urgence Homophobiestepping in to help the French-Moroccan singer.

“Following the shocking wave of hatred facing Bilal Hassani, SOS Homophobie and Urgence Homophobie are teaming up to target every person who has insulted, discriminated or threatened Bilal Hassani on social networks,”the groups said in a joint statement.

“The words that can be read against him are unworthy, unacceptable and will not go unpunished.”

SOS Homophobie and Urgence Homophobie are working with up with LGBT+ lawyers to persecute those responsible, “Lesbophobia, transphobia, biphobia, but also racism, homophobia and queerphobia are not an opinion, but a crime.”

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