Drag Storytime has been a hot issue for local councils over the past few years,with some events cancelled to thwart planned protests.
Sydney’s Hills and Cumberland councils even recently passed motions to ban the drag storytimes at their libraries despite no evidence there had ever been an attempt to hold one.
Sydney drag queen The Fabulous Wonder Mama is one of about 20 performers and storytime hosts on the “Drag Storytime is Not a Crime” float,which is currently making its way along Oxford Street.
She said she struggled to understand the public backlash to the children’s activity.
“To be honest,I think the issue is just that it’s an LGBT performer that’s doing it. That’s where the fear comes in and that’s where the accusations come in,” she said,ahead of the parade.
“We typically read a book which might feature a queer character or focus on self-acceptance,but we also just read some fun kids stories that have got nothing to do with gender or anything like that.
“One of my favourites is calledKitchen Disco and it’s just about fruit coming alive and dancing in the kitchen.”
Swanning down Oxford Street on a giant storybook,the drag queens are carrying books with titles that they would like to see in the world,notably a “Story of Acceptance”.