Latest news with #EastSidePartnership
The Journal
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Drag performer launches legal action after ‘campaign of abuse' following storytelling event
A DRAG PERFORMER has launched legal action being 'subjected to a campaign of online abuse' following a storytelling event in a Belfast library last week. The legal action has been initiated by Lady Portia Di'Monte, one of the two drag performers at the event which was held on Friday in the Holywood Arches Library in east Belfast. It was organised by the regeneration charity EastSide Partnership and was part of its Eastside Arts Festival. The storytelling event featured two drag queens, one of whom provided sign language interpretation, and included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo, a pop-up animal book aimed at toddlers. However, a number of protesters gathered outside the public library and the storytelling had to be cancelled early as a result. In a video circulated on social media, the two drag performers can be seen being escorted from the library by PSNI officers and taken away in a police vehicle. A PSNI spokesperson said that officers 'attended a report of a small demonstration and engaged with those present'. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace,' added the spokesperson. In a statement issued today by Phoenix Law, Lady Portia Di'Monte said that the 'private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event' has become the 'subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event 'promoted communication and belonging for all'. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending.' Advertisement The drag performer added that 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.' Lady Portia added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them—whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different—it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. '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.' Phoenix Law said that the PSNI had to escort the drag performers from the library 'due to safety concerns arising from protesters outside the venue'. The law firm added that it is 'aware that footage of this incident has since circulated on social media, accompanied by damaging and defamatory commentary'. Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said Lady Portia has been subjected to a 'campaign of online abuse, including highly serious and defamatory allegations'. 'These claims are entirely unfounded, malicious, and constitute a deliberate effort to harm our client's reputation. 'The suggestion that drag performance in this context poses any risk to children is baseless and harmful. 'We have now been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against all those responsible for publishing defamatory material, and to examine whether any criminal offences have been committed.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Rhyl Journal
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Library drag queen event should not have taken place
The DUP's Gordon Lyons said the event on Friday at Holywood Arches Library, hosted by the EastSide Partnership, 'was not appropriate for children' and had 'compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. Footage on social media shows protesters demonstrating their opposition to the two drag queens reading stories to children at the library. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event did not fall within Libraries NI's policy. He said: 'This event was not appropriate for children. 'I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival. 'This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy. 'I have directed my officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.' The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. A statement said: '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.' In a statement, Eastside Partnership said: 'EastSide Arts Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and community in east Belfast. 'Over the past 14 years, we have developed festival programmes which are inclusive, diverse and reflective of the interests and feedback from those who attend our events. 'The 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event is one of our longest-running events and returns every year based on the positive feedback from those who attend and engage with the event. 'Over the years we have worked alongside the artists involved to ensure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for families to listen to age-appropriate stories. 'During one of our recent storytelling events, we were made aware of an incident outside of the event venue. 'To ensure safety and to minimise disruption we worked with local authorities to manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists.' The statement added: 'EastSide Arts Festival is committed to continue to develop a diverse, inclusive, safe, accessible and welcoming festival programme that celebrates and reflects all aspects of the community.'
The Independent
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Library drag queen event should not have taken place
A drag queen storytelling event for children at a library in Belfast 'should not have taken place', a Stormont minister has said. The DUP's Gordon Lyons said the event on Friday at Holywood Arches Library, hosted by the EastSide Partnership, 'was not appropriate for children' and had 'compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. Footage on social media shows protesters demonstrating their opposition to the two drag queens reading stories to children at the library. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event did not fall within Libraries NI's policy. He said: 'This event was not appropriate for children. 'I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival. 'This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy. 'I have directed my officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.' The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. A statement said: '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.' In a statement, Eastside Partnership said: 'EastSide Arts Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and community in east Belfast. 'Over the past 14 years, we have developed festival programmes which are inclusive, diverse and reflective of the interests and feedback from those who attend our events. 'The 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event is one of our longest-running events and returns every year based on the positive feedback from those who attend and engage with the event. 'Over the years we have worked alongside the artists involved to ensure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for families to listen to age-appropriate stories. 'During one of our recent storytelling events, we were made aware of an incident outside of the event venue. 'To ensure safety and to minimise disruption we worked with local authorities to manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists.' The statement added: 'EastSide Arts Festival is committed to continue to develop a diverse, inclusive, safe, accessible and welcoming festival programme that celebrates and reflects all aspects of the community.'
North Wales Chronicle
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Library drag queen event should not have taken place
The DUP's Gordon Lyons said the event on Friday at Holywood Arches Library, hosted by the EastSide Partnership, 'was not appropriate for children' and had 'compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. Footage on social media shows protesters demonstrating their opposition to the two drag queens reading stories to children at the library. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event did not fall within Libraries NI's policy. He said: 'This event was not appropriate for children. 'I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival. 'This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy. 'I have directed my officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.' The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. A statement said: '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.' In a statement, Eastside Partnership said: 'EastSide Arts Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and community in east Belfast. 'Over the past 14 years, we have developed festival programmes which are inclusive, diverse and reflective of the interests and feedback from those who attend our events. 'The 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event is one of our longest-running events and returns every year based on the positive feedback from those who attend and engage with the event. 'Over the years we have worked alongside the artists involved to ensure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for families to listen to age-appropriate stories. 'During one of our recent storytelling events, we were made aware of an incident outside of the event venue. 'To ensure safety and to minimise disruption we worked with local authorities to manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists.' The statement added: 'EastSide Arts Festival is committed to continue to develop a diverse, inclusive, safe, accessible and welcoming festival programme that celebrates and reflects all aspects of the community.'
Powys County Times
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Library drag queen event should not have taken place
A drag queen storytelling event for children at a library in Belfast 'should not have taken place', a Stormont minister has said. The DUP's Gordon Lyons said the event on Friday at Holywood Arches Library, hosted by the EastSide Partnership, 'was not appropriate for children' and had 'compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all'. Footage on social media shows protesters demonstrating their opposition to the two drag queens reading stories to children at the library. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event did not fall within Libraries NI's policy. He said: 'This event was not appropriate for children. 'I understand that Libraries NI was not the organiser and that it was a venue booking made by Eastside Arts Festival. 'This event should not have taken place and it has compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy. 'I have directed my officials to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented.' The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. A statement said: '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.' In a statement, Eastside Partnership said: 'EastSide Arts Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and community in east Belfast. 'Over the past 14 years, we have developed festival programmes which are inclusive, diverse and reflective of the interests and feedback from those who attend our events. 'The 'Drag Queen Storytime with BSL Interpretation' event is one of our longest-running events and returns every year based on the positive feedback from those who attend and engage with the event. 'Over the years we have worked alongside the artists involved to ensure we provide a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for families to listen to age-appropriate stories. 'During one of our recent storytelling events, we were made aware of an incident outside of the event venue. 'To ensure safety and to minimise disruption we worked with local authorities to manage a safe exit for our attending families, staff and artists.'
