A narrative hour for kids hosted by a drag queen has been stormed by protesters who hurled abuse on the occasion’s performer.
Aida H Dee, the drag performer, began her tour of the “Drag Queen Story Hour” throughout the UK this week, with the primary occasion at Reading Library on Monday morning.
Two protesters entered the studying session in a bid to disrupt the occasion at round 9.30am, whereas round 25 demonstrators stood exterior the library in Abbey Square.
Dozens of law enforcement officials attended the protest however no demonstrators have been arrested. Protesters, who have been brandishing placards and banners, accused the occasion of not being acceptable for youths.
A spokesperson for Reading Council informed The Independent they have been “saddened by the events” as they criticised protesters for disrespecting dad and mom’ choices to purchase tickets for the story hour.
The consultant added: “It is extremely disappointing that a small group attempted to disrupt story time. This was a ticketed event and all parents attending were aware of the nature of the performance. It is regretful that some people chose not to respect parental choice.
“The council does not tolerate threats or abuse against our staff, members of the public or the entertainers we have invited to perform at our venues. We worked closely with the local police and our own security teams to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.
“Reading is a diverse community and our library service seeks to reflect and celebrate that by hosting and supporting a wide range of artists and audience experiences.”
The spokesperson acknowledged Drag Queen Story Hour UK is “a well-established professional children’s entertainment provider” – including the occasions are centred across the “theme of accepting differences”.
“We are pleased to say those who attended the performances have given positive feedback saying that the content is both entertaining and age-appropriate,” they added.
Aida H Dee addressed the protests in a press release on Twitter as she urged folks to not be deterred from attending future occasions.
“Please don’t let these stupid protesters stop you from attending the rest of the events across the country,” the performer stated. “I promise you that we are more than prepared for these stupid people, and I can assure you my stories will be just as fabulous!”
Aida H Dee informed the BBC her performances don’t have any sexual language and defined Aida is meant to be a constructive LBGT+ function mannequin for kids.
“What is confusing is that these groups are attempting to create a sexual focus here where none exists by drawing attention to sex and sexuality,” the performer stated.
The 27-year-old stated she has beforehand endured threats, including: “At the time, I was shaky and it was emotional but this is my job, I refuse to let it affect me in any major way”.
The performer, who holds periods for 3 to 11-year-olds, has almost 70 occasions scheduled in 20 completely different elements of the UK in forthcoming weeks, with extra demonstrations scheduled.
“Drag Queen Story Hour UK provide fun and interactive kids shows with amazing and talented drag performers!” the mission’s web site states.
“Drag Queen Story Hour UK wants to show the world that being different is not a bad thing, and by providing imaginative role models for children to look up to, we can change the world book by book! We bring you 5-star performers who have performed all across the UK in schools, festivals, museums, nurseries, private events and more!”
A report, shared completely with The Independent final yr, discovered younger LBGT+ youngsters are greater than twice as possible as their heterosexual friends to fret about their psychological well being every day.
The survey by Just Like Us, a charity which helps LGBT+ younger folks, revealed that 55 per cent of LGBT+ 11 to 18 yr olds are anxious about their psychological well being every day, compared to 26 per cent of non-LGBT+ folks.
The findings mirror the disproportionately excessive charges of psychological well being issues amongst LGBT+ adults, with earlier polling discovering simply over half had suffered melancholy within the final yr, and three in 5 had skilled anxiousness.
