In an unexpected wave of cancellations, several councils across Victoria have discreetly halted drag queen storytime and other LGBTQ+ events. These actions come as a response to increasing threats from far-right groups, highlighting a growing concern for safety in the region.
Just last week, Monash council made the decision to cancel a drag storytime event that had been slated for the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The cancellation was sparked by angry protesters disrupting a council meeting, leading several other local government areas to quietly follow suit. As a result, a host of family-friendly queer events planned for IDAHOBIT on 17 May have been called off.
A Ripple Effect across the Region
Notable drag performer Dean Arcuri, known for his stage persona Frock Hudson, found himself at the center of this wave of cancellations, with four events he was scheduled to perform at being cancelled. This included a rainbow storytime singalong at Hawthorn Library, operated by Boroondara council. While Boroondara council did not comment before publication, they did encourage community members to attend other IDAHOBIT events listed on their website.
The repercussions of these cancellations extend beyond Arcuri’s performances. At least nine queer events, mostly drag storytimes, have been cancelled in Melbourne over the past six months due to security threats posed by far-right fringe groups. One of these events, a storytime at Eltham Library in Nillumbik shire, is currently being targeted with demands for its cancellation.
Community Response and the Future of LGBTQ+ Events
In response to the cancellations, local community members have formed the Rainbow Community Angels (RCA), a group committed to standing against anti-queer protesters. The RCA aims to disrupt these protests by visually blocking them with large angel wings, hoping to prevent future event cancellations and uplift the queer community.
Despite the challenges, the drive to continue these events remains strong. Nillumbik mayor Ben Ramcharan voiced his determination for the storytime at Eltham Library to proceed, albeit potentially online due to threats. Regardless of the form it takes, the event at Eltham Library is set to continue on 17 May, a powerful show of resilience from the community in the face of censorship.
These events and reactions underscore a critical intersection of freedom of expression, security, and the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in Victoria, with potential implications for the broader national conversation.