NI LGBTQ+ charity ‘stand with' drag performers amid row over library reading event
During the event Lady Portia Di Monte, whose real name is Marcus Hunter-Neill, read storybooks to the children, while Miss Dora Belle interpreted the stories into British Sign Language (BSL).
The reading at the Holywood Arches Library became the subject of controversy over recent days, with DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons saying the event was 'not appropriate for children' and that it 'should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'.
On Wednesday, Phoenix Law announced they will be taking legal action on behalf of Lady Portia on 'reputation and safety' grounds.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of the Rainbow Project, an NI based charity that promotes the health and wellbeing of the LGBT people and their families, spoke out in defence of drag performers.
'Drag is not only a big part of LGBT+ culture but also of culture in general, from pantomime dames to prime time television,' he said.
"Absurd suggestions that drag is not appropriate for children is rooted in the sexualisation of LGBT+ people and our lives.
'Seeing a drag queen when I was growing up did not make me gay, and it won't make your kids LGBT+.
"What it will do is send a colourful message that life is diverse and that if you are LGBT+ that's ok – you will be loved regardless.
'We stand with the families and young people who went along to the event, and the organisers and queens who put it on, whose fun day out was marred by protests. We are particularly concerned for the performers, who have for the past number of days been subjected to a campaign of online abuse and harassment, and who have our full support."
Speaking about the incident Lady Portia, in a statement issued by Phoenix Law yesterday, said: 'Over the weekend, a private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event at Holywood Arches Library, part of the EastSide Arts Festival, became the subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse.
'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending.
'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats - not because of any risk inside.
'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety.
'To the families, staff, and supporters-thank you. To those spreading hate-I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are'.
The PSNI confirmed they attended the event after a report of a 'small demonstration' and two people were escorted from the building to ensure there would be 'no breach of the peace'.
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday 1st August, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present.
'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace.
'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.'
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