Young Liberal at centre of drag queen row found dead
Tributes are pouring in for a Young Liberal student who has tragically been found dead just hours after he was involved in a controversial protest against drag queens reading to kids.
QLD News
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THE president of the UQ Liberal National Club, Wilson Gavin, has died aged 21, just hours after he was involved in a controversial protest at a Drag Queen Story Time event.
Mr Gavin was one of a group of young protesters who stormed the event, confronting a drag queen who was reading story books to children.
It is understood Mr Gavin died at Chelmer this morning and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
The group of 15 to 20 Liberal National Club members went to the library last night chanting “drag queens are not for kids” and ignored requests from security to leave the venue.
Witnesses said the commotion upset children and their families who had been listening to Drag Queen performer “Diamond” read.
The incident was widely publicised and even drew the ire of Veronicas star Jessica Origliasso.
“Our world – and especially Australia – is in need of love & healing, now more than ever,” she wrote.
“What they did today was unnecessarily add to the bigotry, division and trauma young children are left to face in today’s society.”
Writer Satyajeet Marar paid tribute to Mr Gavin, describing him as an “intelligent, witty, articulate and outspoken young man with a good heart”.
“I’m extremely saddened to hear of his passing this morning.
“I knew Wilson for a few years- we met through our involvement in the Australian Monarchist League.
“Despite holding opinions that some people disagree with strongly, he would defend them with conviction. Brave and admirable traits while most of us in this generation spend years obsessing over what others think of us and worrying about whether expressing our opinions will cause people to dislike us.”
Mr Marar said they often disagreed but, despite this, Mr Gavin “never once resorted to personal insult or vitriol”.
“And when I found myself stranded in Brisbane in 2018 after a cancelled flight, he was happy to offer me a place to stay the night.
“It saddens me that we didn’t have the chance to have a proper chat over the last few months.
“It saddens me that instead of reaching out as I should have, our last interaction was a stupid and meaningless online argument over politics.”
In 2017 Mr Gavin was a spokesman for “Our Voice, Our Vote” which argued against changes to the Marriage Act. The group was opposed to same-sex marriage.
“G’day, we’re here today because we support marriage as it has always been, between one man and one woman,” he said at a rally.
“And I am here specifically because I am a gay man. I’m a gay conservative who wants to see marriage the way it is.”
Another friend, Drew Pavlou, said Mr Gavin “had his struggles” and his death was a reminder “of all we must do to affirm to young LGBT Australians the intrinsic worth and value of their lives”.
“Away from the social media storms and headlines, he was at his core a very decent and kind person that cared for others,” Mr Pavlou said.
“I had the great privilege of seeing that side of him in life. He was hilarious and a riot to be around, his fame will always remain legendary.
“He had his struggles and made mistakes, and it is a tragedy for us all that he ultimately succumbed to his suffering and pain.”
The University of Queensland today issued a statement.
“The university understands that the events of the past two days are very distressing for many people,” the UQ statement said.
“Our priority is to provide support for our students and staff who have been impacted.
“Mutual respect and diversity are core values of the university, and we hope that everyone shows consideration for those affected during the difficult days ahead.
“Students requiring support should contact Student Services (1300 851 998) and our Employee Assistance Program is available for staff.”
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said she did not wish to comment on the Brisbane City Council library matter out of respect for the young man’s family.
“I think today is a day that we should all think about a bit of respect and compassion for people,” she said.
“In that vein, if anyone needs to I would encourage them to talk to Lifeline or any other agency that may be able to help.”
Asked about the UQ LNP Club’s connection to the party, she reiterated that they were disendorsed by the party last year for not complying with the party’s morals or values.
“My understanding is they were using the party colours, or party logo under false pretences, so naturally I would want to see that the party take the strongest possible action, which I understand they already had, and they had before Christmas,” she said.
Anyone who needs help or support is urged to call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 659 467.
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