Don't be a Drag - Support Our Queens!

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<div>Dear Minister Lyons, </div><div> </div><div>I am writing to express my deep concern regarding your recent comments on a 'Drag Queen Story Time' event which took place recently in East Belfast. You claimed this event was "not appropriate for children" and that you would apply pressure on Libraries NI to ensure events like this could not take place. </div><div> </div><div>This event, which has been going on for many years without issue, has garnered attention this year due to a small protest held outside the venue, causing both the performers and families attending the event to require PSNI support leaving the premises. As a Minister for Communities, and hopefully a Minister for all communities, it is extremely disappointing that you are seeking to stoke this culture war rather than defending the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities to free expression and participation in public life. </div><div> </div><div>You are right: Libraries NI should be a "welcoming and inclusive place" for all communities, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Attempts to reduce access to libraries for a certain section of our community are deeply troubling, and sends a message that the mere presence of LGBTQIA+ people, culture and expression in these spaces is unwelcome. </div><div> </div><div>This is the second time you have publicly pressured Libraries NI to be less inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people: first, attempting to remove books with LGBTQIA+ themes, and now seeking to put an end to libraries hosting fun, family-friendly events featuring LGBTQIA+ performers. This pattern of exclusion and clamping down on free expression is deeply troubling, and I urge you to engage directly with LGBTQIA+ people to ensure that our libraries, and all our public spaces, continue to be an inclusive and welcoming place for them and for all other communities. </div>

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