TL;DR:
A children’s storytelling event featuring drag queens in east Belfast sparked a protest outside Holywood Arches Library. The PSNI attended and escorted the performers out to prevent a breach of the peace. No offences were reported.
A storytelling session featuring drag queens at Holywood Arches Library in east Belfast last Friday has stirred significant public reaction.
The event, organised by EastSide Partnership, aimed to celebrate individuality and inclusivity through stories, songs, and dancing. It was promoted as suitable for all ages and designed for families, with performances by Lady Portia and Miss Dora Belle. While Lady Portia read from children’s storybooks, Miss Dora Belle interpreted the readings in British Sign Language (BSL).
Some local parents expressed concern over the event and gathered to protest outside the library.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed officers responded to a “small demonstration” and escorted two individuals from the venue to avoid any potential breach of the peace.
“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,” said a PSNI spokesperson.
“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.”
Footage from the event, now circulating online, captures protestors shouting phrases such as “leave our kids alone” and “you do your thing but leave our kids alone” as the performers exited the building. In response, Lady Portia identified the stories read during the event and even offered to speak directly with the protestors.
While some praised the event’s aim of inclusion, others questioned the appropriateness of drag performances in settings aimed at young children. The debate reflects wider tensions over LGBTQ+ representation in public family events across the UK and Ireland.
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