Monash Council cancels drag story time event over safety concerns

Threats of violence have forced a Melbourne council to cancel its library’s drag story time for children, after police advised the event posed security risks.

Threats of violence have forced a Melbourne council to cancel its library’s drag story time for children, after police advised the event posed security risks to families, staff and council facilities.

The Monash City Council event, which would have involved drag queen Sam Thompson reading stories to kids, was scheduled to take place in two weeks to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. On Thursday, Monash chief executive Andi Diamond said the story time would be cancelled after it attracted significant attention, with “hateful and threatening commentary and misinformation”.

The decision comes as more than 170 protesters stormed a Monash City Council meeting last month and hurled slurs such as “pedophiles” and “groomers” at councillors, and called for the event to be cancelled.

“It is incredibly disappointing to have to cancel an event designed to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia but we were left with no choice after Victoria Police advised council of the risks associated with holding the event,” Dr Diamond said.

Monash chief executive Andi Diamond. Picture: Eastgate Janine

“Councillors and staff have received messages that nobody should be expected to receive in their workplace, as have our LGBTIQA+ community. In recent days these threats have escalated to direct threats of violence involving the event itself. Our drag story time event was designed to introduce children to ­diverse role models and encourage acceptance, love, and respect of our LGBTIQA+ community. It is so disappointing that some people have a long way to go before this is achieved.”

Dr Diamond apologised to the LGBTIQA+ community but said the council was “unable to guarantee” the story time could be held safely.

“I apologise to our LGBTIQA+ community for this outcome. I hope they understand we did not make this decision lightly and we share their disappointment.”

Thompson, right, with other drag queens. Picture: Janine Eastgate

Premier Daniel Andrews spoke at last month’s council meeting and called the protesters’ behaviour “ugly and appalling”. “And I again make the point it’s not about free speech, this is hate speech plain and simple, plain and simple,” he said on Thursday. “It is wrong, it is out of step with the values of fair-minded decent mainstream Victorians.”

Drag performer Sam Thompson said she did not anticipate “death threats, revolting slurs being hurled my way, or for my safety to be at risk”.

Last month Victoria Police confirmed it held a statewide LGBTIQ+ Youth Event Safety meeting attended by 80 council employees to help local governments prepare safety plans and risk assessments.