Thread by @claireOT

Guess what’s happening in #Leeds, the #WomanFriendlyCity tomorrow? That’s right: Male performances of objectified and ridiculed femininity, and of sexual subordination... for toddlers and children. #DQST.

The text of the advert reads:

“Looking for a unique story hour for your little one? Well we have a novel suggestion!

Drag Queen Story Hour UK and Leeds Libraries have joined together to provide a new and innovative storytime...”
#Leeds #WomanFriendlyCity #DQST

“The fabulous Aida H Dee has been reading her stories across the country for the past 3 years, including festivals like Brighton, Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe. Her passion not only brings a story to life but promotes kindness...”
#Leeds #WomanFriendlyCity #DQST

“...It’s interactive, colourful, and has the potential to influence a lifetime of positive development – one page at a time.

Join us on Monday 22nd June at 2pm! Full details here: facebook.com/events/3705560…“

#Leeds #DQST #WomanFriendlyCity

So, who thinks this is a good idea? It’s our good friend, “I’d rather be a pervert than a Terf” singer, Rob Wilson. Who has no kids, by the way. #Leeds #WomanFriendlyCity #DQST

What do the women of #Leeds think? Does this performance, paid for by our Council Tax, make us feel proud of our City? Does it inspire us to believe it’s a #WomanFriendlyCity? No. Nope, it doesn’t #DQST

Here is Rob Wilson singing “I Would Rather be a Pervert than a Terf” at #LeedsPride2019, in case any of you want to know who it is that supports #DQST being pushed out to our kids #WomanFriendlyCity #Leeds

But surely, safeguarding policies are followed, at #DQST performances? There’s no physical contact between the male performer, and the children? I found these pictures in about 3 minutes, from the public posts that this Draq Queen has made #Leeds #WomanFriendlyCity

Thankfully, we have ONE #Leeds Councillor prepared to stand up and say “Not in our name”, representing the opinions of thousands of Leeds Mums and Dads. Sarah Field encourages any comments or complaints about this event. Email [e-mail] #WomanFriendlyCity #DQST

I’ve been corrected! Apologies to Rob, whom I now believe WASNT the singer of “I’d rather be a pervert than a TERF”

I was confused: Rob (left) is involved in all the LGBT stuff in Leeds. But the singer, here, is Pat McCusker (right), from MESMAC. I dunno. All beardy bears look the same, to me 🐻

BREAKING NEWS:

I’ve been told that the event has been CANCELLED, partly because of the complaints received, so 💜THANK YOU💜 to everyone that emailed Sarah Field.

And despite my polite, non-abusive interactions, this is what happened. Do I take it I’m no longer welcome at @leedslibraries?

Morning, sisters! In yet another twist in this sad tale, I was notified on Facebook (as a guest of the original event) that it is still going ahead: this time, as a Drag Queen Story Hour event. At least the @leedslibraries branding is no longer associated. facebook.com/events/s/drag-…

The cheeky performer now advertises the event as follows:

“We are still going LIVE but we are going to be celebrating LEEDS as an LGBT+ City! We're super excited! I hope you are too!

On the Drag Queen Story Hour UK page at 2pm!”

If a member of the public wishes to ‘celebrate Leeds’ on their own Facebook Page, that’s entirely their affair. What now concerns me, is that attendees signing up for a @leedslibraries event, are now registered attending an event organised and hosted by an external partner

Questions remain about how ‘ownership’ of this event has passed from LCC to DQSH. Perhaps a Council Officer took action because they disagreed with the decision to cancel the event?

If anyone that wishes to virtually attend and comment on today’s event, please be mindful of the audience of toddlers and children ‘2+’. Keep your comments clean. We don’t want to distress any children, or upset their parents.