Drag Queen Story Hour UK readings were held at Tate Britain in London on Saturday by Sab Samuel, who performs under the name Aida H Dee, and are intended to help children explore their true selves. But rival demonstrations broke out as 30 far-right protesters from the Patriotic Alternative shouted “leave our kids alone”, while around 30 counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism waved placards saying “Trans rights now”. The right-wing protesters held signs saying “No drag for kids!”, while supporters of the event held up placards saying “Don’t let the far right divide us”.
While no injuries were reported, one person was arrested on suspicion of making a racially aggravated comment towards a police officer. Samuel later told TalkTV that his readings can act as a “catalyst” for children to begin “living their true selves” and could help prevent the “horrendous mental health battle” he went through as a child. The children’s author said he had been approached by youngsters at drag events to come out as gay and ask for advice about whether they should tell their parents.
As a child, Samuel looked up to “powerful women like Madonna and Lady Gaga”. He added: “Femininity is not just something to be tolerated, just like LGBTQ, we want to embrace it, it’s fabulous – why wouldn’t we?”