We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Demonstrators have clashed outside Tate Britain during a protest against a drag queen story event organised by the London art gallery. Tate Britain was hosting a story time by children’s author and drag queen Aida H Dee at the Millbank attraction.
It is understood the protest is being led by the far-right organisation Patriotic Alternative. Protesters held signs reading, “No drag for kids!” and “Leave our kids alone!”
A separate group of demonstrators led by Stand Up To Racism was also outside the gallery in support of the story-telling, its supporters held signs reading: “Don’t let the far right divide us” and “Trans rights now”.
The Metropolitan Police said one person has been arrested on suspicion of making a racially aggravated comment towards a police officer outside the gallery.
No injuries have been reported and officers remain at the scene, according to the force.
The Tate was hosting Drag Queen Story Hour UK on Saturday, with tales told by Aida H Dee, who the gallery’s website describes as “the first drag artist in Europe to read stories to children in a nursery”.
Writing on Twitter, the drag queen said the day had been “proper emotional”, adding five protesters had gained entry to the Tate and “caused a disruption” in parts of the building, but they did not affect the readings.
Aida tweeted: “5 haters made it into the Tate. They caused a disruption. BUT not to Drag Story Hour UK… They made a fuss elsewhere in the building, not where the show was!! SHOW 2 went swimmingly!!!”
Aida had been staging three story-telling sessions on Saturday, at 11am, noon and 2pm.
More to follow…
Source: Read Full Article