Drag Icon Conchita to Headline Isle of Wight’s UK Pride Bash!
Drag sensation Conchita, who took Europe by storm with her 2014 Eurovision hit Rise Like A Phoenix, is set to light up Ryde Beach at this year’s Isle of Wight Pride — the official UK Pride event for 2018. The announcement comes just weeks after Conchita revealed she is HIV positive, a brave move aimed at smashing stigma around the virus.
Conchita Pumps Up Pride on the Beach
“I’m thrilled to be coming to Isle of Wight Pride, especially as it’s this year’s UK Pride event,” Conchita said. “I had such a warm welcome on Pride in London’s main stage back in 2014. The idea of performing on a beach makes it even more special.”
She also praised the event for focusing on global LGBT human rights. “We all have a part to play in standing up for those less fortunate. I can’t wait to be part of it on 21st July!”
This gig marks just her second ever Pride performance in the UK. Conchita will be appearing in her role as Ambassador for EuroPride 2019, which is headed to Vienna, Austria’s capital, next year.
Isle of Wight Pride Trust Says ‘Honoured’
Matt Bundy, trustee of Isle of Wight Pride, gushed: “Her last UK Pride show was four years ago at a packed Trafalgar Square during Pride in London. We’re honoured to have her this summer.”
“This is likely her only UK performance in 2018, and Ryde Beach couldn’t be a better spot to see her live!”
Fighting HIV Stigma with the ‘U=U’ Campaign
Conchita’s appearance isn’t just about music. The organisers are teaming up with NAM, creators of the HIV info site aidsmap, to educate the public that people with HIV on effective treatment can’t pass the virus on. Their campaign, ‘U=U’ (Undetectable = Untransmittable), aims to smash myths and discrimination.
“Despite massive medical advances, HIV is still one of the most feared conditions,” said Bundy. “Conchita’s openness helps challenge that stigma.”
Matthew Hodson, Executive Director of NAM, added: “Accurate info is key. Knowing someone on treatment can’t transmit HIV transforms lives. It encourages testing and breaks down fear. I salute Conchita’s courage and her role in educating others.”
EuroPride Vienna 2019 Backs Conchita
Katharina Kacerovsky, Chief Exec of EuroPride Vienna 2019, shared: “We’re proud to have Conchita as our Ambassador. We can’t wait to party with everyone at UK Pride and keep spreading the love across Europe!”
Get ready, Isle of Wight — Conchita’s coming to town, and the Pride party just got a whole lot bigger.
