A Liverpool Echo journalist has shared his delight at being able to portray LGBTQ+ communities in a “light-hearted” way as the city prepares to host the Eurovision Song Contest.

Paul McAuley, who is assigned to cover minority groups for the Echo as part of the Meta-funded Community News Project, is one of four Echo reporters covering Eurovision ahead of Saturday’s final.

He is particularly focused on covering LGBTQ+ communities’ enjoyment of the event and has so far reported on features drag, music and circus performances.

Paul, pictured, will also be tasked with getting reactions from fans who have travelled to Liverpool for the contest.

He said: “Even if I was telling a positive story about someone, when you speak to any queer person, somewhere in their story there will be issues over homophobia and mental health.

“I feel like as an LGBTQ+ reporter, it’s unfair for me to skip over that and I can relate to that in a way.

“Eurovision doesn’t have that edge to it – it’s just pure love, laughter and passion. It’s really refreshing for people to have those opinions rather than any anger.

“Beyond this role, I will always be able to say that I have covered Eurovision as a journalist.”

Paul began his community reporter role in January 2020 after completing a journalism degree at Liverpool John Moores University, which at the time was not accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists and has since been awarded accreditation.

His role has allowed him to study for the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, and subsequently the National Qualification in Journalism remotely with Darlington College. He will be sitting his NQJ exams in November.

Paul added: “After university, I wanted to do fashion journalism so I went to London for a while. Then I saw this opportunity come up and went for it. After this role, I want to stick being an LGBTQ+ reporter.

“I feel I have authentic connections with the communities I speak with because I am queer. It’s something I want to promote because it’s my passion.”