Protest threat at Manly Library’s Drag Queen story time event for kids

Fears children may be harassed by neo-Nazi and anti-LGBQTI+ protesters at a Drag Queen story time event have been raised, as others raise concerns over the event as well.

The promotional photograph used by Northern Beaches Council for its event 'Drag Queen Story Time at Manly Library', with Charisma Belle, to coincide with Sydney WorldPride, scheduled for February 25. Picture: Supplied

There are concerns for the safety of children amid claims a family event — hosted by a drag queen at a Sydney library — may be targeted by neo-Nazis and anti-queer protesters.

Northern Beaches Council has organised “Drag Queen Story Time at Manly Library” with entertainer Charisma Belle, to coincide with the international LGBQTI+ festival, Sydney WorldPride.

Charisma Belle is a popular drag queen entertainer, based in Sydney, who is hosting Drag Queen Story Time at Manly Library, which has become the focus of anti-gay anger. Picture: Supplied.

It is aimed at children as young as three years old.

But a group called Sydney Queer Alerts says that at least 45 anti gay, transphobic, conspiracy theory and far right wing organisations — including the National Socialist Network — are been urging members to disrupt the February 25 event.

Sydney Queer Alerts, set up to tackle “queer and trans anti-fascism around the Sydney region”, claims the anti-gay protesters will harass people walking into the event.

Supporters of the LGBQTI+ community are encouraged to rally at the library on the same day to act as a “welcoming committee” to block would-be protesters.

Part of a social media message distributed by a group called Sydney Queer Alerts, calling on people who support the LGBQTIA+ community to rally at the 'Drag Queen Story Time at Manly Library event on February 25 after the group said the event would be targeted by anti queer and anti trans supporters, including neo-Nazis. Picture: Twitter

“Supporters are encouraged to peacefully gather around the library, create a warm and welcoming environment for the attendees, and assist staff in ensuring that attendees can arrive and leave safely,” Sydney Queer Alerts tweeted on Wednesday.

“Fascists cannot be allowed to shut it down or be given free rein to disrupt this event.

“This will embolden them for further attacks on the queer community”.

Commentators including women’s advocate Katherine Deves, who has spoken out on issues such as keeping transgender women out of female sports, questioned the appropriateness of drag queens hosting an event for small children.

The wording on the Northern Beaches Council website promoting its Sydney WorldPride event 'Drag Queen Story Time at Manly Library'. Picture: Supplied

Ms Deves, who lives near Manly, tweeted: “Why do male adult entertainers want an audience of children?”

On Thursday she told The Manly Daily that Sydney Queers Alert were “attention seekers” going “out of their way not to be taken seriously”.

“I’m loathe to dignify their defamatory nonsense with any further response.”

Event host and drag queen, Charisma Belle, said she was aware of the warnings of possible harassment.

But Belle, who has hosted similar story times for kids in other parts of Sydney, said while there was a lot of online chatter by protesters prior to the events, few actually turned up.

“There tends to be a lot of backlash online, but at the actually event, next to no protesters turn up.

Katherine Deves questioned the appropriateness of a male adult entertainer hosting an event for small children. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“The Dean Wells post would have mobilised a few more people to speak up.”

Belle said she would be reading age-appropriate books that were already available in the library.

“They all have a common theme, usually to do with love and family, what makes family,” she said. “We talk about different types of families.

“Some kids live with their grandparents, some might be adopted, some might have two dads or two mums.”

She also pointed out that drag queens were not just adult entertainers.

“People see drag as adult entertainment, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said.

“It’s very hard for people to take drag queens out of nightclubs, but we’re able to change our act according to our audience.”

Northern Beaches Police said that they were aware of the library event.

“(We) are working with Northern Beaches Council to ensure the safety of all members of the public.”

Council CEO Ray Brownlee said the event celebrated family diversity, community and friendship.

Manly Library is hosting the Drag Queen Story Time event. Picture: News Corp

“This event is being hosted by a professional performer, promoting a love of literacy through a creative and positive library experience.

“Drag Queen Story Times have been successfully held in many places across Australia and overseas, to the delight of children and their families.

“We pride ourselves on having a welcoming and inclusive community on the Northern Beaches.

“It is a shame to see some people from within, and outside, the northern beaches not being as tolerant and accepting of diversity.”

A Sydney WorldPride spokesperson said: “Anti-LGBTQIA+ protests only demonstrate why it is so important that Sydney WorldPride and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras exists.”