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Far-right protests over drag queen storytime at Bexleyheath and Crayford libraries

12:02, 31 July 2022

updated: 07:27, 01 August 2022

A far-right nationalist group held protests outside Kent libraries over events where drag queens were due to read to children.

There was a sizeable police presence outside Bexleyheath library where members of Patriotic Alternative had gathered on Saturday afternoon.

Far-right protest outside Bexleyheath library on Saturday, with a sizeable police presence at the scene. Picture: Sean Delaney
Far-right protest outside Bexleyheath library on Saturday, with a sizeable police presence at the scene. Picture: Sean Delaney

The event saw Aida H Dee, "The Storytime Drag Queen", reading to youngsters.

Meanwhile, outside the building a similar number of demonstrators waving LGBTQ+ placards held a counter-protest.

But KentOnline reporter Sean Delaney, who was at the scene, said: "There was lots of confusion from members of the public as to what these protests were actually about."

Tweets have been posted of another protest taking place at the same time outside Crayford library, near Dartford.

Sharing pictures from the event in Bexleyheath library, Aida H Dee said a protester had "gate-crashed" one of the photos taken with the children.

One visitor, Nicky Evans, tweeted: "Thank you for a fabulous story time @AidaHDeeDrag. We loved it! We love you! X Thank you @BexleyLibraries @MPSCrayford too."

Drag Queen Story Hour is currently touring the country, visiting libraries, providing "fun and interactive kids shows with amazing and talented drag performers".

It has faced similar protests at other locations, including Reading library last week.

Protesters claimed the story hour was "sexualising their children".

But Sebastian Samuel, the man behind the Aida H Dee character, told the BBC the shows included no sexual language.

"What is confusing is that these groups are attempting to create a sexual focus here where none exists by drawing attention to sex and sexuality," he said.

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