Victorian government accused of using IDAHOBIT as political football

The opposition has accused the Andrews government of “playing politics” with IDAHOBIT day, claiming they were not invited to a drag queen story time event at parliament.

Drag Queens story time reading at Parliament House for IDAHOBIT Day. Drag Queen Sam T reads a story book called my Shadow is Pink to some children, Premier Dan Andrew and parliament staff. Picture: David Caird

Victoria’s parliament held a drag queen story time on Wednesday in the wake of several councils being forced to cancel similar events or move them online due to threats of violence.

But opposition equality spokesman James Newbury said no one from the Liberals and Nationals were invited to the event by the government.

Mr Newbury said he requested details of the event from the Premier’s office but didn’t receive a response.

“Daniel Andrews needs to stop playing politics with IDAHOBIT, as it belittles the importance of equality and ensuring that all Victorians feel respected, included and loved,” he said.

The event, hosted by Equality Minister Harriet Shing, coincided with an international day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Daniel Andrews watched on as three drag queens read childrens’ books to a small group of kids and their parents inside the parliament.

Drag Queen Sam T ready to read a book called my Shadow is Pink to some children, Premier Daniel Andrews and parliament staff. Picture: David Caird

The Premier said celebrating IDAHOBIT day through drag story time was an important way to show support for the queer community.

A number of drag-themed children’s events across Victoria had to be cancelled due to security concerns following threats from far-right extremist groups.

It followed a violent Monash Council meeting where protesters stormed the building earlier this month to protest a sold-out story time reading from going ahead at Oakleigh Library.

Mr Andrews said the “vile attacks” on the “completely lawful and appropriate events” needed to be condemned.

“It’s just not appropriate. If you don’t like those events then don’t go to them. They’re not compulsory,” he said.

On Wednesday, all 79 Victorian councils raised a rainbow flag to mark the day.

Ms Shing, who is one of two openly gay ministers, said she was “so proud” to hold the event amid the cancellation of similar events and celebrations due to “relentless harassment, threats, and intimidation”.

“It was a colourful, fun and inclusive celebration of LGBTQIA+ visibility, and sent a really strong and positive message that LGBTQIA+ safety, connection and pride have never been more important than now,” she said.

The government on Wednesday committed $1.85m for Rainbow Health Australia to provide inclusion training to service organisations to ensure they are perceived as safe and trusted by the LGBTQIA+ community.

It also pledged $700,000 in grants to LGBTQIA+ organisations.