Dan Andrews hosts a drag queen storytime event for kids at Victoria’s parliament house
Daniel Andrews hosts a transvestite story for children at Parliament House – after fears of violence forced libraries to close
- Victorian government organized drag queen story time
- Libraries cancel similar events for fear of violence
Daniel Andrews has organized a drag queen story event for children at Parliament House to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Young children sat on the floor and on their mothers’ laps on Wednesday as transvestites read children’s books.
Mr Andrews was seen smiling as he watched.
Drag queens read books to young children while sitting on the floor of Parliament House (pictured)
The narrative event marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
The state government has also pledged $1.8 million to Rainbow Health Australia, a program to support the health and well-being of LGBTIQA+ people.
“Equality in Victoria is non-negotiable – we are building a state that is inclusive for all because every space must be safe for LGBTIQA+ Victorians,” said Prime Minister Daniel Andrews.
ABC reporter Bridget Rollason shared a photo of the event on Twitter, explaining that no Liberal MPs were in attendance.
The drag queen story was moved to Parliament House following Monash City Council’s decision to cancel the event at Oakleigh Library.
The council reversed its controversial decision to hold drag story time after protesters stormed council chambers in Melbourne’s south-east on May 3.
Tensions ran high as protesters shouted swear words at pro-drag and supporters of the LGBTIQA+ community, smashed glass walls and shouted “shame on you” at councillors.
Drag queen performer Sam T was set to perform at the sold-out event for babies and toddlers.
Dr. Monash CEO Andi Diamond released a statement announcing the decision to cancel the upcoming May Drag story event.
Dr. Diamond cited the reason for the cancellation as security concerns and the threat of violence against councillors, families, performers and staff in attendance.
“It is incredibly disappointing to have to cancel an event intended to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, but we were left with no choice after Victoria Police informed the Council of the risks associated with holding the event,” said Dr Diamond.
“We understood that this wasn’t for everyone and planned it outside of our regular library programs so that parents planning to bring their children made a conscious choice to attend.
“Unfortunately, some in our community were not willing to allow that choice. In the end, we couldn’t guarantee that we would be able to keep the event safe.’
Anti-trans protesters stormed a Monash Council meeting on May 3, protesting the drag queen story-time event planned at Oakleigh library (pictured)
Supporters of the LGBTIQA+ community attended a joint statement of support for Monash Council (pictured)
The highest body for Victorian councils will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the growing crisis of aggressive far-right groups targeting LGBTIQA+ events.
A drag story time event at Woodleigh School on the Mornington Peninsula that was scheduled for Thursday was canceled, while a similar event at Melbourne’s Eltham Library was moved online on Wednesday.
A Rainbow Story-Time hosted by Bathurst’s Betty Confetti at NSW’s Goulburn Library on June 3 was called off.