Drag Queen Story Time at the British Library

The whole idea is just weird - just why?!

One think I noticed about this is how frequently these events started to appear after the first few. This seems to be common with programming at places like libraries and museums these days, anything that gets a response in terms of bringing people in is picked up and multiplied like lightening.

The answer to your question might be just that some person thought it would be a good idea, or someone offered to do it, and it just hits all the "right on" buttons of the moment. Diversity, LBGT, culture, Drag Race and drag kids, whatever. And for a lot of people they don't differentiate drag queens from trans and they think they are identities rather than acts.

But I don't see how it really makes sense even if someone thinks drag is fine, or you look at the very best, smartest, well done drag acts.

It's a bit like they ask Peter Dinklage to come in to read a story to promote diversity, but they get him to dress up as and inhabit the character of Tyrion Lannister, and advertise it as Tyrion Lannister coming to the library to read to pre-schoolers. And the preschoolers of course are all like, who is this guy, why is he wearing those weird clothes and talking like that? Because they aren't allowed to watch Game of Thrones and they can't read.

Call's image is the one on their gallery banner!

We have many many years of this first.

Fuck me, that picture in Call's post.

I genuinely do believe that in the future people will look at that, and show it in lecture theatres and on safeguarding powerpoints and everyone watching will shake their heads and say 'how was that considered OK?'

The question is, how much damage will be done before that time, and how far will it reach?

Please do write to the BL and send images from the website with your thoughts. Hopefully enough of the images and comments might sink in! I cant imagine the staff are particularly 'woke' and have just gone along without looking into it. If we show them exactly what they are promoting they may think on it.

I'm being optimistic but worth a shot!

Well perhaps as a tactic tickets could be booked by gc individuals or groups in the area. Then no one turns up...

I would hope that anyone performing for children - well actually likes children. There is a difference between an adult sitting down on the floor with the children and interacting with them, as opposed to someone doing 'a show' in front of them.

I have to say, this is the picture that struck me on the DQST website.....

I find those images quite scary. I also think most children would .

if you mean what I think you mean thats even worse!

Yep

Captainkirk if you mean what I think you mean thats even worse!

Have replied again.

Thank you. I had a very brief look at the website and the home page looks great. The gallery however not so. I didn't scroll to far as I stopoed after finding the attached image.

Personally I dont find what looks like a a child holding a dogs lead attached to a rather terrifying looking drag queen appropriate or in line with safeguarding - it looks like BDSM grooming.

stopped looking after the one in black on what appears to be a dog lead held by a child.

That's not a dog lead, it's a device which opens and closes the mouth on the mask that drag queen is wearing....

You can guess the joke it's for in a drag act.

A couple of images from the first few on the website gallery in the email from the BL. I stopped looking after the one in black on what appears to be a dog lead held by a child.

Opening to placing the validation of adults feelings over the possibly uncomfortable or fearful feelings of small children.

Lots of preschoolers are shit scared of any tall, big or loud man until he is known to them very well. However gentle and kind the man.

Mine would need to be picked up and cling on to me and bury their face so as not to have to look, or would hide away behind my legs if I couldn’t hold them or would refuse to get out of their buggy if a strange man was around.

The whole idea is just weird - just why?!

As others have said, female mechanics, male nurses etc, great and to be encouraged, but what on earth is behind this thinking? What kind of mind thinks this will be great for kids?

There is a strange agenda at play here.

I've also responded to their cut/paste twaddle. I know it's a waste of time, but I had to give Alison Whittlestone my tuppence worth again.

I really had hoped for more from them. I actually thought they'd take us seriously.
When will i learn...

I know they'd sooner stick pins in their eyes, than cancel this event and admit it was a terrible idea.

A few silly old women complaining is absolutely nothing compared to poking the woke bear and dealing with that fallout, I suppose. 🤨

Open to promoting damaging sexist stereotypes to young kids who are forming their ideas about the world

If you got the standard response might be worth responding. I did and pretty quickly received the following, which interestingly agrees that Drag Queens are stereotypically adult performance!!!!

"Please do take a look at the Drag Queens Story Time website from the link in my initial email, including the videos showing story time activities.

I hope that you will agree that it bears little resemblance to the stereotypical ‘Adult’ performances that one usually associates with Drag Queen acts.

I am sorry if you do not share the British Library’s view on this.

Best regards

Alison Whittlestone – Customer Services"

The British Library is open to everyone and stands with those who oppose discrimination in all forms.

Not standing with those who oppose discrimination against females, the sexualisation of children and the erosion of safeguarding.

The British Library is open to everyone and stands with those who oppose discrimination in all forms.

Except when it comes to discriminating against children and exposing them to sexual content at an inappropriate age.

They seem to be ALL FOR eroding children's safety.

You're right Genderfree - what choice do we have? And your response to the smug, minimising wokebollocks is brilliant.

It's coming from high up and the policies are already in place.

BINGO!

Nothing in that reply about how they manage the safeguarding. Are these people checked?

Absinth I fear you are right but will keep trying.