When Woolongong’s library announced it would be holding a reading session hosted by local drag performer Roxee Horror there was the predictable complaints about the event.
People took the event’s Facebook page to complain about a drag queen reading stories. Former Labor leader Mark Latham took to Twitter to voice his opposition saying it exposed young children to a sickness.
“The main problem is, it was advertised as suitable for young people of “all ages”. 2-3 year olds exposed to the political sickness of ‘gender fluidity’.” Latham posted.
The library has refused to back down and said it would be going ahead with the event that is supporting an upcoming queer arts festival in the city.
“The libraries’ support of the Wollongong Queer Arts Festival is an opportunity to highlight that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from or what motivates you to come into the library, this is a safe and inclusive space for everyone.” a spokesperson responded to the criticism.
The event will see kids hand out with Miss Roxee, the alter-ego of Adam Larkman, and read stories, sing and make crafts.
Since news of the opposition to the event broke the library’s Facebook page has been receiving messages of support. “I’m a rate payer and I’ll be bringing my kids along, which they’re very excited about.” wrote one local resident, “This is the best, we can’t wait! Huzzah for libraries continuing to be safe spaces of inclusivity and community.” said another.
The library’s manager Jenny Thompson told local newspaper The Illawarra Mercury the library was there to provide events for all members of the community.
“The central library is a pretty big place, and our community and our world is a big place and there is space for everybody,” Thompson said.
“We offer a range of different events for all different parts of the community and this is, I guess, part of our community we haven’t done that overtly for before.
“So it’s important to us that we’re getting with the program.”
The drag story time event is one of two ways the library is highlighting the LGBTI community during the festival. They are also holding a panel discussion with members of the ’78ers – the people who matched in the very first Mardi Gras.
OIP Staff
