A drag queen storytelling event for children hosted by Tate Britain, the renowned London art gallery, sparked controversy and protests over the weekend. On Saturday, right-wing protesters demonstrated outside the gallery, leading to a counterprotest by trans-rights campaigners and political groups, including Stand Up to Racism. The Metropolitan police arrested one person on suspicion of making a racially-aggravated comment towards a police officer. The Tate was hosting Drag Queen Story Hour UK, featuring Aida H Dee, who is described as the “first drag artist in Europe to read stories to children in a nursery.”
The event was met with resistance from protesters, who disrupted parts of the building but not the storytelling sessions. Drag Queen Aida H Dee took to Twitter to describe the day as “proper emotional,” and expressed her frustration with the need for “risk assessments.” The Tate issued a statement, saying that they “do not programme artists in order to promote particular points of view, nor to reconcile differing points of view.”
In the midst of ongoing debates surrounding the representation of LGBTQ+ communities, Drag Queen Story Hour UK sparked a heated discussion about free speech and artistic expression. The Tate’s decision to host the event, which took place during LGBTQ+ history month, was seen by some as a bold move in support of diversity and inclusiveness.