Stockholm’s deputy mayor, Jan Jönsson, recently made a powerful statement by participating in a Drag Queen Story Time event for children. The move aimed to challenge and denounce the prevailing anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. The event comes in the wake of far-right protests targeting similar Drag Queen Story Hour events held in public libraries across Stockholm. Jan Jönsson, a Swedish politician, emphasized the urgent need to combat populism and intolerance that has been on the rise, particularly against transgender individuals.
Jönsson expressed concern over the attempts made by the right-wing Sweden Democrats to ban these readings in public libraries. The party’s leader went as far as labeling family-friendly drag events as “absolutely insane.” In response, Jönsson condemned such actions and highlighted the worsening situation faced by the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans individuals. According to him, the right-wing movement is exploiting Drag Queen Story Hours to target the entire LGBTQ+ community.
When Drag Queen Story events were first introduced in Stockholm in 2017, there was no substantial debate surrounding them. However, recent right-wing protests have raised concerns and garnered attention. Jönsson expressed worry that these movements might follow a similar trajectory seen in the United States, resulting in not only the prohibition of cultural outlets but also further curtailment of freedoms.
The 45-year-old deputy mayor underwent a drag makeover with the assistance of Admira Thunderpussy, the winner of Drag Race Sverige. Sharing a video on Twitter, Jönsson affirmed that fairy tales and drag queens pose no threat to children. Instead, he pointed out that populism and intolerance have historically shattered the dreams of many individuals.
While Jönsson has received love and support for his bold stance, he has also faced backlash and encountered hate groups on social media. Reflecting on his experience, he acknowledged the physical discomfort associated with being a drag queen, from wearing a corset to spending hours on makeup. Nevertheless, Jönsson emphasized that supporting freedom of expression and making one’s position clear, whether through dressing in drag or engaging in conversations with neighbors and colleagues, is crucial.
As incidents of banning or restricting drag performances have emerged in the United States, some states have managed to overturn such laws. In the UK, there has been a surge in anti-drag protests, although they have been met with larger counter protests. Gemma Collins, a renowned reality TV personality, voiced her support for drag performances, urging opponents to “get a grip” and promoting inclusivity and self-expression.
The bold actions of Jan Jönsson, Stockholm’s deputy mayor, and the growing resistance against anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive society that embraces diversity and champions the rights of all individuals.