Thank you @Angryresister for following this up. I've put some bullet points together for what I would reply in case it's helpful.
Leeds Library Service have always supported diversity and equality of opportunity as these are central to the role of libraries. A programme of events is planned across the year to meet this aim and hosting the drag queen story time was part of this plan.
If diversity and equality of opportunity is the motivator for this booking, why was the man booked to appear in adult entertainment costume and not as himself?
it is very different to a club performance and is in no way an adult act;
Can you explain why womanface is considered an act that is suitable for families please? And what makes it different to it's near neighbour and universlly acknowledged as unacceptable, blackface?
Equality perspective
As a local authority, as you know, we have a statutory duty under the Equality Act to
· Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation;
· Advance equality of opportunity;
· Foster good relations
We are proud that we are a diverse and multi cultural city, and all our work will continue to be underpinned by our belief that all people should be treated with respect.
Could you please explain to me how drag queens in general are compliant with "eliminating unlawful discrimination" towards people with the protected characteristic of "Sex" (Women)?
Could you explain please how recruiting a male who dresses as a woman for adult entertainment a storytelling exercise is meets the demands of equality and diversity better than recruiting an actual lgbt+ or BAME storyteller?
"Drag is a historical art/performance form and is not specifically about either gender identity or sexual orientation.
If that's the case then you don't also get to tick your equality boxes for those things.
Whilst Drag Queens are not specifically covered by the Equality Act, they are rooted in LGBT+ culture and the Equality Act has provision for discrimination by association.
I note that fetish and BDSM culture is also strongly associated with LGBT+ culture but that it would clearly be inappropriate for somebody dressed in BDSM or fetishwear to read stories to children.
This is because children are protected by safeguarding from being exposed to adult sexual themes or material.
Freedom from discrimination would be welcoming a skilled storyteller who also happened to be a drag queen performer to dress in appropriate attire for storytelling. Fancy dress is not a protected characteristic, but again, sex is. A man dressing as a woman is not protecting the characteristic of sex, as it is taking the place of a woman or man storyteller.
Drag queens are associated with adult entertainment and sexuality, and that is not in line with safeguarding children from exposure to adult sexuality content..
As a council we will strive to ensure that we meet our statutory duty and to protect all people from unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and this includes in relation to drag queens.
Does it include women?
There is, as you know, an ongoing debate about whether drag queens are misogynistic and whether they are a ‘distorted and sexualised grotesque caricature of women’. It is true that they exaggerate cultural stereotypes of women, as a specific form of entertainment,
Yes.
however they can also be seen as providing an ironic view that makes a statement about society as a whole and how women are depicted.
Cambridge English dictionary definition of the word ironic;
showingthat you reallymeantheoppositeof what you are saying
Can you please show me evidence that "exaggerated cultural stereotypes of women" is showing that what you really mean is the opposite of that? If you're claiming that a learning outcome of drag queen story time is the opposite of misogynistic and distorted and sexualised caricature of women - so portrayal of women in a feminist and accurate manner please show me evidence of how a drag queen storytime would ensure this learning outcome would be achieved for the children, who it is commonly understood do not necessarily understand irony, especially not when it relates to complex adult themes such as mysogyny.
At the very least please demonstrate how drag queen storytime doesn't accidentally give children the impression that casual misogyny and distorted sexualituly of women is acceptable.
In Leeds we value and recognise that everyone has a right to be who they are, and to express themselves. It is entirely right that we continue to be inclusive and to promote diversity.
I refer you back to your point that "Drag is a historical art/performance form and is not specifically about either gender identity or sexual orientation".
You presumably do enforce some restrictions on what is appropriate attire for your staff, service users and freelance staff?
The right to express oneself does not superced child safeguarding or the protected characteristic of sex (women).
There is an age restriction on accessing social media which is 13 for Facebook and Instagram and 14 for Twitter, so not accessible to the target audience.
Note to mumsnet - aren't images on Facebook, search term results when children Google, if they are public? Are these images set to public?
I agree that the images highlighted and brought to the attention of the council are inappropriate for a children’s audience, but this is not where they are available.
So can you confirm that if a member of council staff who worked with children, perhaps a teacher, had the same images available on their public social media accounts that would not be considered an issue? (If somebody went digging in sure Leeds County Council has a social media conduct policy for their staff - most councils do).
It is also clear that due consideration has been given to equality and safeguarding, that the event is wholly suitable for children, and is in accordance with our aims to be a welcoming and inclusive city
Can you please elaborate on how engaging drag queens meet the aim of equality for women and being a welcoming and inclusive city, for women?^