THE READING Pride board of trustees has released a statement after a drag queen was confronted by protestors in Reading on Monday, July 27.
Aida H Dee, the performer behind Drag Queen Story Hour UK, kicked off a tour in which she reads books to families in libraries nationwide at Reading Central Library.
As Reading Today was the first to report, protestors gathered at the event and attempted to gain entry, shouting homophobic slurs and accusing police of protecting a “child groomer.”
Two protestors managed to gain entry, and interrupted the reading before being forcibly removed by police.
The statement released by Reading Pride on Wednesday, July 27, said: “We are saddened to hear of the disruption and protest organised by an extreme/far right/fringe group that occurred at an event put on for children.
“We hope that there will be no lasting impact to the children or to those who were in attendance.
“We share our appreciation for the prompt action taken by the authorities in responding to the situation, and also for the outpouring of support from the community in condemning the protests.”
They noted that many of the protestors had travelled to Reading from elsewhere.
It continued: “At Pride, we reject the harmful, false claims made by this group and thank the wider Reading community for their overwhelming support against hatred and firmly believe that Love Unites.”
Aida H Dee went on to perform at Tilehurst Library on Monday, July 27, where she was again met with protests.
Her tour continued to Southcote and Whitley on Tuesday, July 28.
Drag Queen Story Hour UK is an established children’s entertainment troupe, which sees drag performers travelling around the country holding free interactive shows for children.
The events aim to promote diversity and acceptance of others, as well as encourage families to visit and use libraries, take up reading, and promote the art of storytelling.
Aida H Dee is an advocate for neurodivergence, a published author, and a patron of Autistic Inclusive Meets London, which supports families and individuals with autism.
