Several cities welcome “rainbow people” and “gay pride parades”, some because of genuine dedication to supporting equal rights, others by combining a touch of “idealism” with pragmatic commercialism, as gay and transgender communities in many western countries have proven very “good business” for hotels and restaurants. Montenegro’s National LGBT Strategy (2013-2018) was partly designed to improve the public perception and social acceptance of LGBT people. To nurture a culture of tolerance and openness towards gender diversity, the Ministry of Culture rolled out a series of measures addressing the ways in which the LGBT community is represented in public spaces. A cultural programme was developed and implemented in collaboration with civil society organizations such as the Anna Lindh Foundation, Juventas and Queer Montenegro, as well as public institutions like the Centre of Contemporary Art and the municipal Cultural Centre Budo Tomovićć in Podgorica. They included photo exhibitions showcasing LGBT artists, as well as public debates focused on the cultural expressions of minority identities. Opening the art scene to new creators and cultural professionals with non-binary gender identities was part of the approach to highlight new facets of gender diversity in Montenegro. The strategy highlighted the responsibility of public cultural institutions to ensure their regular programming includes creative content by, with and about gender minorities. It also stressed the importance of supporting new cultural platforms that celebrate LGBT creativity, which will lead not only to a more diverse culture and creative landscape, but to a more inclusive social context in general. Source: Montenegro QPR to UNESCO. In conclusion, while there is still a long and winding road globally to respect for all human beings’ rights, it is also a fact that several LGBTQI+ communities are very much “out in the open” and enjoying their lives in public spaces or at international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest. As France 24 noted30: “The LGBT community’s passion for the Eurovision Song Contest hardly began with Conchita Wurst’s triumph. The international TV and radio contest has long been embraced by gay, lesbian and transgender people tuned into its message of unity. Drag queens, a lesbian kiss and a transgender champion are part of the official history of Eurovision, (..) Slowly, but surely, the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi and transgender) community found a welcoming home in Europe’s annual musical extravaganza.” The Eurovision has also become a platform for more than just singing, and contestants have protested against hate through song. For example, in 2013, Finland’s entry Krista (a straight ally) kissed another woman live on stage in protest over Finland’s failure to extend equal rights to gay people.31 30 31 28 https://www.france24.com/en/20150522-eurovision-gay-friendly-song-contest-lgbt-conchita-wurst https://lgbt.foundation/news/viewpoint-how-the-european-lgbt-community-took-eurovision-to-its-heart/154