Cross-Dressing Diva Conchita Wurst to Russia's Putin: Let's Hang Out

By The Associated Press

May 21, 2015

VIENNA? — Conchita Wurst would like to hang out with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The bearded Austrian cross-dresser says she would "love to spend at least a week with him" because she wants to understand what it means to "be President Putin."

Russia under Putin has clamped down heavily on gay rights, making the "promotion of non-traditional sexual relations to minors" punishable by law.

Wurst's participation last year in the Eurovision Song Contest was widely criticized by thousands of Russians. The Russian Orthodox Church described her as an "abomination" and after her win, Putin advised her not to flaunt her lifestyle.

But that doesn't seem to faze Wurst, who expressed her wish Thursday at a presentation of her new album. She is co-hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna on Saturday.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue