A New South Wales council is vowing not to succumb to pressure to cancel a Rainbow Storytime featuring Bathurst-based drag queen Betty Confetti.
Key points:
- The Upper Lachlan Shire Council condemns a leaflet urging it to cancel a Rainbow Storytime
- The mayor says it has been circulated in the community after Goulburn called off its planned event
- Drag queen Betty Confetti says it shows the Upper Lachlan Shire values diversity
The Crookwell-based Upper Lachlan Shire Council has issued a joint statement condemning what it describes as “disturbing” leaflets which have been handed out in its community regarding the proposed event.
It comes after the neighbouring Goulburn Mulwaree Council called off a Rainbow Storytime at its local library due to threats directed at staff.
Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor Pam Kensit said her council had indicated it would host the event instead.
“We just said, Oh well, we’ll … get the individual to come out to our shire’,” Cr Kensit said.
The council’s statement lists the support of every councillor and the chief executive officer.
“Propaganda spreading hatred, vilification and attempting to force the cancellation of Rainbow Storytime later this year has no place in our community,” the statement said.
“[The] Upper Lachlan Shire Council, mayor and councillors will receive and note these type of emails only and no further response will be made.”
‘It’s your choice’
Cr Kensit said the efforts to cancel the Rainbow Storytime in her community were premature because details of the event had not been finalised.
“It is an option to come, it’s not a compulsory thing,” she said.
“If you’re not interested in a story being told by a Vietnam vet, or a story being told by an Indigenous person, or a story that’s being told by a drag queen, it’s your choice to come.
“Nobody is forcing anybody to attend.”
Betty Confetti said she was thrilled the council had taken this stance.
“It’s so beautiful to hear that I’m being supported by this council,” she said.
“I think they are really one of the only councils that have really shown their full support.
“In saying that, I do understand why the Goulburn council cancelled their event … I’m not angry.
“It’s just showing that they really, really see the importance of showing that diversity and that inclusion in their shire.”
Ms Confetti said these types of events were particularly important in regional Australia.
“I wasn’t able to grow up with a person who was visible, someone who I could talk to about my feelings and how I was growing up within the LGBTQI community,” she said.
“To be that visible role model is so important for people in regional areas, it shows that they have a place within this society, they have a place that shows them love, acceptance and overall to be kind to one another.
“I really want to see that support and love and that’s what the Upper Lachlan council has done.”