When
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Join us to create a huge and vibrant rally against the bigots trying to shut down this event. We encourage attendees to bring rainbow themed clothing and signs to create a welcoming atmosphere for families coming to this event, and make sure the far right does not intimidate people from attending.
Far-right bigots have been targeting Drag Storytime events across Melbourne. They have argued that performers are paedophiles, grooming children, and all the other far-right, homophobic and transphobic tropes. Most recently, they mobbed the Monash City Council, demanding that it cancel the Drag Storytime event planned for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.
Many of their lead organisers are drawn from the far right, notably including the anti-vaxxers who terrorised Melbourne during the lockdown era. They've now turned their conspiratorial obsession to the supposed 'dangers' of LBGT rights, 5G, thirty minute cities and so on. These people draw inspiration from the US movement, which has been launching campaigns against Trans and LBGT comrades across the country.
We cannot be complacent. The US is seeing a significant backlash against LBGT rights as a result of these actions. Here in Melbourne we saw these scum joined by neo-nazis on the steps of Parliament last month. A number of councils have already backed down in the face of this disgusting bigotry and cancelled their events. It is to their credit that the Monash City Council did not do the same, and their event on May 19 is going ahead as planned.
It's time for supporters of LBGT rights to take to the streets, in a show of pride and determination to protest these bigots. We will not be intimidated or cowed, and certainly not on an international day of protest for LBGTQ rights!
We need to make this massive.
Stay tuned for more details, but for now, put it in your diary, inform your friends and activist community, and get ready to mobilise.