Politics

“Bitch Please”: Drag Queens Respond To Abuse By Young Libs At Kids Event

Footage of the Young Liberals chanting "drag queens are not for kids" has gone viral on social media.

by Rachael Conaghan  13 January 2020
drag queen storytime

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UPDATE 4PM 13/01/20

It has been reported that one of the students involved in the protest took his own life this morning.

Earlier today Queensland LNP leader Deb Frecklington refused to comment on the reports out of respect for his family.

“I think today is a day to think about a bit of compassion and respect for people,” she said.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Headspace on 1800 650 890.

 

Support has flooded in for the two drag queens who were targeted by homophobic slurs during a children’s storytelling event in Brisbane yesterday.

The queens in question, Queeny and Diamond, handled the situation with class that must have taken superhuman strength to muster.

Footage shows Diamond calmly telling a protestor who was yelling in their face, “bitch please … thank you for coming”. The protestors identified themselves as being part of the University Of Queensland’s Liberal National Club.

They can be seen surrounding Queeny and Diamond while shouting, “drag queens are not for kids”.

Queeny and Diamond were taking part in a Drag Queen Storytime event at Brisbane Square Library, organised by Rainbow Families Queensland. Kids were enjoying reading, singing, dancing and crafts when the students disrupted the event to shout their abuse.

Johnny Valkyrie, whose drag persona is Queeny, spoke out about the incident last night.

Today, I went to Brisbane Libraries to read to children and families, an event organised by at Brisbane City Council for…

Posted by Johnny Valkyrie on Sunday, 12 January 2020

“I want you to know that the love, support and coverage flowing from this incident is keeping me afloat,” Johnny said.

“I collaborate occasionally with Rainbow Families Queensland & Brisbane Libraries to deliver safe, enjoyable family oriented activities for LGBTQIA+ families, friends and anyone who believes in community, kindness and equality.”

“The comments on the defamatory posts made by the organisation prior to the event were slanderous, discriminatory and disgusting. However, I am more concerned about the children and families who were exposed to their hateful, aggressive rhetoric.”

Johnny also responded directly to the members of the UQ Liberal National Club.

“I hope you find peace, and learn from the consequences of your actions. I expect consequence, I expect apology and I expect changed behaviour. I expect safety, respect and inclusivity in my community. I wish you personal growth.”

People have been sending their love and support to using the hashtag #IStandWithQueens.

In a Facebook post, the UQ Liberal National Club said the protest was about “taking a stand against a corrosive gender ideology”. It’s not the first time the UQ branch has hit the headlines for being really, really gross — they’re the same group that caused outrage over that racist schoolies video last month.

In fact, it’s understood they have been disaffiliated by the LNP, and LNP politicians including Brisbane MP Trevor Evans and Brisbane councillor Vicki Howard have come forward to say the students do not represent the party.

The University of Queensland Union also released a statement saying it was “deeply disturbed” by the event.

“While the Union endorses freedom of expression and student activism, we strongly condemn aggressive behaviour that intimidates and causes distress to children and their families.

Police are now investigating the incident.

As a side note, Johnny — who was named 2019 Young Transgender Person Of The Year — is now using the publicity to help raise funds for affirmation surgery. For more information, or to donate, click here.

Feature Image Courtesy Of Johnny Valkyrie/ Facebook.