Drag queen says Salisbury story protests won't put them off
The pub hosting Aida H Dee's event say they're also keen to be inclusive
Last updated 10th Feb 2023
Drag Queen, Aida H Dee, who writes and reads their books about inclusivity to children, had to move Drag Queen Story Hour in Salisbury to a new venue after finding out protesters were planning to be present.
The event was supposed to be held at the Winchester Gate Pub but was moved to the Progress Cafe Bar - minutes away.
The pub put up a notice stating the event was cancelled due to “public risk” but privately told ticket holders about the new venue so they could attend without disturbance.
As the event went ahead, people were protesting outside the Winchester Gate pub. Aida posted this video on social media:
Aida H Dee started Drag Queen story time with the aim to make storytelling more exciting and inclusive for children.
They spread awareness for LGBTQ+ and neuro-diverse inclusivity:
“It’s more about the content of the stories… the message we are teaching is that of inclusivity and acceptance - but not just as acceptance. I don’t just simply want to be accepted, I want to be liked and adored for being gay. I want to be more than just tolerated; I want to be loved. I think children growing up knowing they are part of my community - they want to feel loved too.”
They say that protests are not uncommon at their storytelling events.
If these people didn’t exist, “all Aida H Dee would be a fun story hour drag queen who goes around telling stories… and that’s the ideal world.
“People who support these events make me emotional...but I wish it didn’t have to happen this way. I wish there were no protests. I wish this event would be more about the content of my writing and my performance.”
Aida also added that they “ find it scary that they think this way.” and “They very clearly have no idea of what’s actually going on inside.”
But it does not put them off continuing in the future:
“I felt like I had one of the warmest welcomes I’ve ever received, and it was just so lovely. It was a community event and community events are exactly what Drag Queen Story Hour is about.”
Protestors Response
In response to the cancellation of the event noting a “risk to the public”, Patriotic Alternative South West said:
“If the reason given for the cancellation was a risk to the public, then this risk does not come from Patriotic Alternative. We do not condone violence or threats of violence, nor have we ever called for targeted harassment: we have only ever spoken out against an anti-family agenda.”
Winchester Gate working for inclusivity
General Manager of the Winchester Gate, Jamie Lillycrop, said that working with Progress Cafe Bar to reorganise was wonderful and ended up being the perfect event for the venues to run and host together.
Jamie was also not fazed by any further protests about future events at the pub:
“Our programme of events has always been and will always continue to be inclusive and welcoming and certainly if there are performers in the area and touring, we would have no hesitation to add them to our family programme… we would absolutely welcome every type of art form.”
“If you ever hear that there are some people that don’t agree with an event that you’re putting on, regardless of who they are, it’s our responsibility to put plans in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy the event in the safest and most friendly possible way.”