Drag Queen Story Hour, a series of events where drag queens read to young children, has become a flashpoint in the UK's culture wars. The shows, designed to promote inclusivity and fun, have attracted angry protests from far-right groups and conspiracy theorists, who label performers as 'groomers' and 'paedophiles'. Parents attending events in places like Reading and Bexleyheath have been confronted with hostile signs and shouted questions.
Sab Samuel, 27, who performs as Aida H Dee, has been at the centre of the controversy. He started the UK's first library-based Drag Queen Story Hour in 2017, inspired by his own childhood struggles with autism and ADHD. 'Pantomime was the best thing ever, because it was colourful and I got to shout,' he said. Samuel aims to teach children, especially those who may be gay, to love themselves—a lesson he says he missed due to Section 28, which banned the 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools.
Despite the protests, Samuel remains defiant. 'Often, they're protesting outside the wrong buildings, celebrating that they've cancelled events that are actually happening elsewhere,' he said. He noted that protesters have tried to film children at the events, but he uses misdirection to keep them at bay. 'We prepare ourselves for degree-level protesters, but they rock up as year 7s,' he added.
Parents have expressed concern about the impact on their children. One parent told Samuel their child asked: 'Why are these angry people shouting at us?' Samuel continues to hold events, driven by a desire to create a brighter world. 'I'm just trying to make the world a little brighter,' he said.
