Drag storytime cancelled in Melbourne after threats

The Drag Queen Storytime fro kids, which was scheduled to take place on 18 May as part of The International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) has been cancelled by the Monash Council. The organisers saying they were left with no choice after repeated threats aimed at harming the performer and families intending to attend the event.

The decision to cancel the event was made after consulting with Victoria Police, who advised that there were risks associated with the event going ahead.

"This event has attracted significant attention with hateful and threatening commentary and misinformation spread online, via email and directly over the phone..." Monash CEO Andi Diamond said.

Drag storytime events are held around the world to increase acceptance and diversity representation among children.

"The event was designed to introduce children to diverse role models and encourage acceptance, love, and respect of our LGBTIQA+ community," said Diamond.

Last month, Monash's council meeting was temporarily suspended after protesters showed up to express their anger at the scheduled drag event. These events have been targeted by some members of the public who are angry about introducing LGBTIQ+ values to children. Another children's games and arts event in a southeast Melbourne cafe hosted by drag queens was cancelled in April after similar threats hurled at the cafe owner.

Separately, a series of drag performers organised by Casey Council in the city's southeast was also axed due to the same issue. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews shared his concerns in April about the continuous attacks against drag events in Melbourne.

"I think it's a pretty sad day when the worst of American politics is creeping into our state. There's no place for that ... we don't need that here, we just don't," he told reporters.

Monash Mayor Tina Samardzija said in March that there is a clear interest in the event, which had age-appropriate books chosen because it was booked out "very quickly". The event would have been held outside regular library programs only for parents with a deliberate intention to attend.

"I hope they understand we did not make this decision lightly and we share their disappointment," said Diamond, apologising to the LGBTIQ+ community for the event's cancellation.