Storytelling events for preschool children hosted by drag queens in Australia meant to teach inclusion and diversity are triggering outrage online.
The Rainbow Family Story Time events at public libraries have caused controversy in the past, but a Daily Mail article on the most recent sessions has seen renewed disgust expressed online.
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A June event in the Sydney suburb of Kogarah featured Charisma Belle.
"Families come in all shapes and sizes, but the most important part of any family is love! The fabulous Charisma Belle will visit [the library] to present a storytime celebrating pride, diversity, and the joy of family," reads the event's official description.
"This session is suitable for preschool-aged children and their caregivers, and will give families an opportunity to experience positive and inclusive role models in a fun environment."
Daily Mail Australia published an article about the events on Monday and the news outlet's Facebook post of the article resulted in angry, transphobic comments, some of which allege the library events are a result of the country's 2017 gay marriage survey.
"Out of f**king control. And I'm supposed to bring my kids up in the putrid, f**ked up country," said one commenter.
"Not to my kid. [I don't give a f**k] what anyone says, this is not normal," added another.
One commenter claimed the storytelling events were "child abuse".
Among those criticising the events in Australia is One Nation MP Mark Latham, who has claimed children's mental health is at risk due to adults "pushing gender fluidity upon them".
Drag queen storytime events have become a global phenomenon after gaining popularity in San Francisco some years ago.
Newshub.
