Equity’s Northern Ireland Official has today (6 August) submitted an open letter to Gordon Lyons, Minister for Communities, in response to his comments earlier this week that a Drag Queen Story Time event held at a library in East Belfast “should not have taken place” and was “not appropriate for children.”
The Department for Communities, which the Minister heads up, is responsible for providing funding for the Arts Council in Northern Ireland and setting arts policy.
There were protests outside the children's storytelling event on Friday 1 August which took place in Holywood Arches Library , with the event coming to an early halt and two individuals escorted from the premises by police. Organisers then had to work with local authorities to “manage a safe exit” for attending families, staff, and artists.
The open letter in response to Minister Lyons’ comments, states that “artists are not only entitled to expect safety and security whilst at work - but also have a right to work without interference”. It also points out that Minister Lyons had written a letter to the Chair of the Arts Council NI in February of this year instructing on “specific and substantive action as regarding funding” for “any activity disrespectful of any tradition” to ensure “maximum accessibility and inclusion”.
The open letter from Equity then goes on to point out the long traditions of Drag and storytelling, saying:
“Drag queen storytelling is more than just a celebration of diversity—it’s a continuation of one of the oldest and most cherished traditions in our culture: storytelling. Drag artists’ work draws from centuries of performance art, from Shakespearean cross-dressing roles to pantomime dames and has itself spawned a tradition and culture which is deserving of protection. This work celebrates the principles of accessibility and inclusion, demonstrating tolerance, joy and creative expression for all.”
Crystal, Drag Artist and Equity LGBT+ Committee member, said:
“Watching two drag queens needing to be given safe exit by the police is very depressing.
"It sets a terrible precedent that fringe protesters with fringe beliefs are able to – if they are loud and scary enough – get events cancelled and make people unsafe. It is very troubling and we need to push back against this kind of narrative. I’m further disappointed to see Mr Lyons siding with the protesters.
"It is a gross mischaracterization to say that drag is inherently sexual and always inappropriate for children. That is just not true. Most people in the UK are aware of this because they have taken their children to see panto and grew up with drag artists on their TVs, and they understand that it’s very possible to experience that entertainment in a family-friendly way.
"These events are like any storytelling event that you would have for children, just that the books have a broader theme of inclusivity, self-love, and acceptance. Children sit around, open up their storybooks and you read to them. You might do some interactive games, ask them questions, things like that, but it is very kid-focused and it is very safe.
"Drag storytime is no different to what you would see in a school done by a “normal” teacher.’ Except maybe a bit more fabulous.
"We cannot allow fringe reactionaries to set the narrative. If you don’t want your kids to experience drag storytime, then it’s very simple, don’t come."
Full text of the letter can be found here.
