It seems incredible to think that an entire year has passed since that moment that Conchita Wurst stood victorious on the Eurovision Song Contest stage in Copenhagen and declared:

‘This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable.’

The moment came as a result of two years of dedication after finishing second in the Austrian Eurovision selection final of 2012. In 2013, Austria was absent from the Eurovision Song Contest, claiming that it was too political and they didn’t stand a chance of qualifying for the final. Even broadcaster ORF hadn’t realised the potential of the Unstoppable Conchita Wurst.

In 2014, ORF gave the nod to Conchita, the brainchild and creation of the incredibly talented Tom Nuwirth. As Conchita, Tom toured Europe, performing at every available preview show, tirelessly promoting Conchita and her entry ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’.

Facing abuse, hatred and sexual prejudice from media and goverments in certain Eastern European lands, she never wavered in her quest to perform as herself and represent not only her nation but the values and hopes of a global community often facing persecution and laws against their human rights. In Copenhagen, as the votes stacked up and Austria rose to the top of the scoreboard, something far more important than a music competition victory became apparent.

Since that night, Conchita has been honoured in Austria, winning the ROMY award for most important media moment, across Europe and the world – by the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Writing an anniversary article in today’s Metro Online was more than a privilege. Conchita Wurst has become an iconic Eurovision Winner, Champion of Gay Rights and Equality and most importantly, a much loved and respected person in the hearts and minds of Europeans and many around the world.

Her story is not just one of courage, but one of hope. For those with aspiring music careers and those who aspire to walk down the street without being attacked for who they are. On 10th May 2014, Conchita Wurst changed the world a little bit for the better. In the year that has followed her Eurovision Song Contest Victory, she has continued to push for that change to come harder and faster. On behalf of a grateful Eurovision community, we say thank you Conchita Wurst.

Read the Conchita Wurst Anniversary article in MetroUK here