By Evelyn Leckie
Despite unwelcoming comments leading up the event, a reading by Drag Queen Annie marked International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in Whittlesea.
More than 60 people attended Drag Queen Annie’s story-telling at Yarra Plenty Regional Libray, including mothers, fathers, grandparents and children.
They listened to encouraging messages in the children’s’ books about celebrating diversity and stories about gender, such as Introducing Teddy by Jessica Walton and It’s okay to be different by Todd Parr.
“It’s touching that I can come somewhere that is so far from where I am to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, IDAHOBIT Day,” Annie said.
“To be able to come to these sort of things and say ‘be who you are and it’s okay being different.’
”Earlier in the week online trolls responded to the event on Facebook calling it ‘absolutely abhorrent’ – ironically the type of behaviour IDAHOBIT Day advocates against.
“Children do not need to be read to by guys dressing as strange women,’ a Facebook user said.
The post was later deleted.
Annie said that to her, IDAHOBIT Day meant not backing down from bullying of any kind.
“Today went very positively – I didn’t notice a single person that was sitting there frowning – I think it went really well,” she said.
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green attended the event in support of the day, wearing a bright rainbow unicorn suit.
“IDAHOBIT Day means a day against hate of difference, it’s wonderful to see parents and older people here, they showed their support of Yarra Regional Library’s promotion of difference and diversity,” Ms Green said.
“Little kids aren’t born hating – It’s learnt.
“If the Yarra Plenty Library and these parents continue – we’ll have a better community, because these kids will be growing up respecting diversity and not hating difference.”
Why is it that a Simple Difference of Opinion is classified as ” Trolling “?
If people disagree with letting this Male read to their children in a public library, thats not hate or trolling as you infidels call it, it’s a different opinion than your own. Stop trying to cause Division amongst the Community Evelyn Leckie we already have enough of it! It is Not appreciated at all!
Be thankful that this Male can do this at all, as where I am from Generally speaking they get Hung in the street after being Stoned!
Mo.