We’re Sorry To Report That Protesters Have Targeted Another Drag Queen Story Time Event

Another Drag Queen Storytime has been targeted by protesters.

The protesters attempted to crash the event in Melbourne, but found themselves locked out of the venue after the library and police were alerted ahead of time.

While all the fun was taking place with drag queen Annie Depressant inside, the protestors were stuck on the street, standing there silently in some kind of creepy vigil.

Annie was reading to kids at Werribee Plaza Library in Melbourne yesterday as part of Drag Queen Story Hour when the protesters arrived. The event was so popular it was fully booked out, and Channel 7 reported more than 40 children and their parents were there, chanting “we love drag queens” as they walked past protestors.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you @librariesinwyndham for having me back to celebrate @midsummafestival with another #DragQueenStoryTime Special thanks to the amazing staff at Plaza Library who helped me feel safe and calm despite the protesters gathering outside. It was amazing to see so many eager and engaged faces. #IStandWithQueens #AnnieDepressant . . . ??‍♀️Wig by @showgirlwigs ? Bases/Glitter/Eyeshadow by @kryolanaustralia ?Lips @toofaced ? Costume made by me . Use Code “Annie” for 10% off all purchases at @showgirlwigs

A post shared by Annie Depressant©️ (@annie_depressant) on Jan 21, 2020 at 10:29pm PST

Lowlights from the protest signs include “Drag Queens confuse children about self-image and identity” and “praying for the children and their parents”.

Honestly, 1/10 for creativity there.

So religious nutter says dont indoctrinate kids to early?

— Ashley Russell (@AshRussell79) January 22, 2020

How many kids have been abused by Drag Queen story time people – zero to my knowledge.

If the same protest was outside a church as kids went to sunday school, there would be outrage. How many kids have been abused by churches – thousands!

Complete double standard. https://t.co/0fkHHgVIIv

— JPMasters (@JPMasters) January 22, 2020

I’ll be reading stories to children this Friday for a rainbow families event while wearing makeup and heels – will protesters scream at me too?

These protests are gross homophobia and transphobia.https://t.co/0rnXYfmEvW

— Sally Rugg (@sallyrugg) January 22, 2020

The incident comes just over a week after the protest in Brisbane where a bunch of young Liberals crashed a Drag Queen Story Time. Following the massive (and inevitable) backlash, one young protestor took his own life.

It seems the resulting self-reflection and conversation and about being kinder to one another didn’t get through to everyone.

---

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Headspace on 1800 650 890.