Gay and lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney kicked off the festivities this weekend.
And among the performers to hit Australia’s shores was legendary drag queen Conchita Wurst.
The Austrian superstar, real name Thomas Neuwirth, performed at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day on Sunday night.
The 34-year-old wore her usual androgynous look, complete with a thick beard and boyish reverse cap, paired with a dress.
The performer opted for a slip-style dress with thin straps and a classy thigh-high slit that shows off her legs, clad in fishnet stockings and chunky combat boots.
Gay and lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney kicked off the festivities this weekend. Among the performers who arrived on Australia’s shores was legendary drag queen Conchita Wurst (pictured)
Conchita completed the ensemble with a series of studded leather bracelets and a decorative nose ring.
She also sported glamorous makeup, including a smoky eye look with retro cat eyeliner in jet black.
The singer rose to fame when he won the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 as an Austrian entrant with the song Rise Like a Phoenix.
The success marked Austria’s first win on the show since 1966.
Last year, Conchita revealed how her Eurovision win paved the way for people around the world, just like her.
The Austrian superstar, real name Thomas Neuwirth, performed at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day on Sunday night
The 34-year-old wore her usual androgynous look, complete with a thick beard and boyish reverse cap, paired with a dress
The performer opted for a slip-style dress with thin straps and a classy thigh-high slit that shows off her legs, clad in fishnet stockings and chunky combat boots
Conchita completed the ensemble with a series of studded leather bracelets and a decorative nose ring
She also sported glamorous makeup, including a smoky eye look with retro cat eyeliner in jet black
Speaking at a Booking.com event, she explained how her victory “forced” a global conversation about gender.
“I have the feeling that in Austria in particular they were forced to think about what is male and what is female. Whether they wanted to think about it or not. And that really came with an acceptance,” she said.
“Back in 2014, so many queer people came into the mainstream with Ru Paul’s Drag Race, with Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner, even though we dropped them,” she added, laughing.
“My win was really impressive and transformed into what it is today – the youth of today are so confident. I get insecure talking to an 18 year old! And i love it. I love this kind of progress.”
Conchita also addressed how the rise to international success has impacted her personally.
The singer rose to fame when he won the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 as an Austrian entrant with the song Rise Like a Phoenix
The success marked Austria’s first win on the show since 1966
Last year, Conchita revealed how her Eurovision win paved the way for people around the world, just like her
She explained how her victory “forced” a global conversation about gender.
“I have the feeling that in Austria in particular they were forced to think about what is male and what is female. And that really came with an acceptance,” she said
“My life has changed completely. Suddenly you have people listening to you. You find yourself at a table you were never invited to,’ she said.
“In my musical career I have worked with so many wonderful people. That’s something I really appreciate and I’m very grateful for. Once you’re a member of the Eurovision family, they’ll never let you go.
Despite winning as Conchita in utter sadness, the actress told Germany’s Die Welt in 2017: “I feel like I want to create a new personality… I’ve achieved everything I wanted with the bearded lady since winning the song contest.”
“Now more than ever, I question myself and look for what I’m good at. I look for myself and Tom rebels. I don’t need her anymore… I have to kill her.’
“My life has changed completely. Suddenly you have people listening to you. You find yourself at a table you were never invited to,” added Conchita