Public Libraries here in Australia exist because people pay taxes. Now, if some of those people do not agree with something their local library is doing what is their recourse? Well, in Brisbane, Queensland a petition was made against Brisbane public libraries having Drag Queen story time. Here is how the Brisbane City Council responded.

‘Adult entertainment is not suitable for children

Residents draw to the attention of Council and the Lord Mayor the controversial and divisive practice of hosting drag queen story time in our public libraries. The appropriateness of Drag Queen entertainment for children when a person, usually male, imitates and exaggerates female gender signifiers and gender roles for entertainment purposes, is highly contested and should not be a tax payer funded activity for many reasons, including: 1.The practice is highly offensive to females 2. The sexual nature of drag queen entertainment is inappropriate for children 3. Telling our kids that trans is great is highly controversial. Medical experts warn of the danger of confusing children about their biological gender when the effects of puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and surgery are known to be harmful. The use of our public libraries for such events is a divisive practice rather than inclusive.

Your petitioners therefore request that our public libraries no longer be used for drag queen story times.

Council response

Council’s libraries are welcoming, inclusive community hubs that have a range of events that reflect and support Brisbane’s diverse communities. Every family is different, and Council acknowledges this fact and celebrates our different cultures, race, sexuality, genders, and religions.

Children’s Storytime sessions provide an opportunity for the development of reading, literacy and learning skills through interactive and engaging sessions.

Drag Queen Storytime events are held in conjunction with Rainbow Families Queensland, a community organisation that provides support to families from the LGBTIQ+ community. Events are presented by performers who hold appropriate Blue Card registration. As with all library events, all children attending events are required to be accompanied by a parent or carer.

Given that all families are different, parents and carers will have different views on what activities are suitable for their own children to participate in. Council respects the decisions of parents and carers to determine which activities are suitable for their children to participate in, and therefore their decision to attend library events. Council continues to ensure that parents and carers accompany their children at any library events.

Drag Queen Storytime is one of hundreds of different events held in Council libraries each year that foster a diverse and inclusive city. Council remains committed to its values of inclusion, tolerance and diversity and will continue to offer Drag Queen Storytime in libraries as part of the range of events offered in response to community needs.’https://www.epetitions.brisbane.qld.gov.au/petition/view/pid/810