In July furious parents stormed a Drag Queen Story Hour for three- to 11-year-olds in Reading central library, the first venue in a UK-wide two month library tour. The event descended into chaos after the parents broke in and screamed abuse in front of the children. As they threatened to perform a ‘citizens’ arrest’ and accused the drag queen of paedophilia, the police had to step in to bring calm. The final story hour, in Cardiff, was also targeted by protesters with placards and banners, saying it was inappropriate for children. Many people came to support the event, wearing clothes adorned with the rainbow flag. Sab (drag character Aida H Dee) says the stories provide a positive experience about queer culture and deliver a positive role model for people to look up to. Sab moved to Cardiff to capitalise on its flourishing LGBTQ community. and thinks it wouldn’t have thrived without the support Wales gives to that community. Cardiff councillors received 143 letters of complaints about these story times.
Protests at drag queen’s storytelling events
Written by David Fletcher 19 Aug 2022Additional Info
- Pray: for parents and teachers to voice their opinions peacefully around the suitability of events with LGBTQ undertones aimed at children. (Proverbs 22:6)
- More: www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1646670/reading-drag-queen-story-hour-uk-reading-library