‘Disturbing and distressing’: Protesters mob drag queen at children’s event

A children’s story time event led by drag queens has been targeted by a group of protesters that stormed a Brisbane library this morning to defend “LNP values”. Council has slammed the protesters’ “appalling” actions. WATCH THE VIDEO

A CHILDREN’S story time event has been targeted by a group of loud protesters that stormed a Brisbane City Council library this morning.

Chants of “drag queens are not for kids” shattered the silence of Brisbane Square Library as a group protesters from the UQ Liberal National Club ambushed a presenter at the“Drag Queen Story Time” event at about midday today.

The LNP moved to distance itself from those involved in the protest, saying the club was not affiliated with the party after it was disendorsed last year for not sharing its values or beliefs.

Video footage of the incident shows a horde of dissidents surrounding a host chanting repeatedly.

Police were called to the library at around 12.20pm today on reports that a group of 15-20 protesters were shouting at a drag queen and causing distress at a community event.

The Veronicas’ Jess Origliasso slams protesters who stormed children’s LGBTQ storytelling event

15-20 protesters shouted at drag queens at a Brisbane library event. Picture: Supplied

The protesters are believed to be from the UQ Liberal National Club. Picture: Supplied

A security guard managed to get the mob to leave before officers arrived but the protest left a mark on witnesses.

It is believed the protesters were affiliated with the UQ Liberal National Club.

The club had vocally opposed the story time event in a number of scathing Facebook posts that targeted Brisbane City Council and organisers of the Drag Queen Story Time.

“SHAME on the Brisbane City Council for sponsoring this event,” the group wrote in a post.

“This event is designed to indoctrinate young children.”

“We remain resolutely opposed to rate-payers money going towards an event like this one, which is an attack on every conservative value,” the group wrote in another post.

A spokesperson from the event’s organiser, Rainbow Families Queensland, said the protest had left participating children and families feeling unsafe.

“A group of people disrupted the event, chanting and causing distress,” they said.

“We deeply regret that the actions of a handful of people caused our children to feel unsafe.”

The UQ Liberal National Club posted to Facebook that they were protecting LNP values. Picture: Facebook

Rainbow Families Queensland Coordinator Holly Zwalf said she was both disappointed and disturbed by the incident.

“Love makes a family,” she said. “There is no room for hate in our hearts.”

Central Ward councillor Vicki Howard said the event had been held four times in Brisbane and reflected the values of inclusion, tolerance and diversity in the local community.

“Every family is different and Brisbane City Council acknowledges this fact and celebrates our different cultures, lifestyles, race or religions and includes everyone when it comes to staging events,” she said.

“This event was presented by experienced entertainers who both have Blue Card registration, which all entertainers are required to hold if they are working with children.

“They were fully-trained entertainers who lead singing, dancing, reading and craft classes for children and their families.”

Cr Howard said the group that staged the protest had no affiliation with the LNP and its actions were “appalling”.

“The small group of people involved in this completely inappropriate display do not in any way represent how we as a council and the LNP feels, and it will not and never will be tolerated,” she said.

A LNP spokesman said: “Late last year, the LNP state executive resolved to disaffiliate the UQ LNP club and asked the club to desist from using the party’s name and colours.”