Nick Goiran, the WA Liberal Shadow Minister for Child Protection, had some questions about Donna Kebab and Perri Oxide’s recent drag storytime event in Maylands.
In parliament Goiran fired off a string of questions at the government about the recent event at Rabble Books and Games which he described as drag queens reading queer books to children.
Was Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk aware of the event? Had the minister received complaints? Had there been applications to the department’s Working with Children screening unit? Did the minister know if her staff had spoken to the hosts of the event?
Sue Ellery, the government’s Leader of the House, shared a personal thought on the issue saying “I do not believe being a drag performer is an illegal act.”
Ellery then explained that the event did not meet the requirements of needing a Working with Children check because it was open to the public and not solely promoted to children.
“This event was open to the general public and was not targeted or marketed specifically to children. Parents retain responsibility to make decisions about whether these events are suitable for their own children.” Ellery said.
OUTinPerth can confirm that Donna Kebab brings Julian Is a Mermaid to life, while Perri Oxide’s reading of Wombat Stew is worthy of a Proud Award for Best Performance.
OIP Staff
