Norwich councillors to support more drag queen story events

Demonstrators targeted a performance by Joseph Ballard, also known as 'Auntie' Titania Trust, at the Forum this summer, arguing that it was not a suitable event for youngsters.

Now, Labour councillors plan to pledge a motion of support for future storytime sessions in order to demonstrate Norwich City Council's "full support for inclusive learning".

Members of far-right groups were among the people protesting outside the Forum during the event (Image: Archant)

Parents who took their children to the Forum on August 17 were met with protestors, including organised groups of the far-right, who objected to Titania Trust reading stories to children.

A larger counter-demonstration took place in the support of the event, and the wider LGBTQ+ community.

Counter-protestors outside the Forum in Norwich (Image: Archant)

Labour councillors Mike Stonard and Jacob Huntley will be putting forward the motion at Tuesday's council meeting, calling on the county council to hold further events in the city.

They say events such as Storytime with Auntie Titania lets children learn messages of acceptance and inclusivity and promote a "positive understanding of our community as a whole."

Mr Stonard said: “This is an important opportunity for the city council to demonstrate its full support for inclusive learning, for diversity, for our LGBT+ community, and for Joe who, as a consequence, has been on the receiving end of appalling hatred.

"Norwich is famously and proudly an open, inclusive, accepting and welcoming city, but we do not welcome those who come here to spread homophobia, division and hatred of any kind. We will be encouraging the County Council to organise more of these events”

City councillors hope more story time events will be supported in the future (Image: Archant)

Another of 'Auntie' Titania Trust's events in Norfolk was cancelled earlier this summer due to protests outside North Walsham Library.

Mr Ballard said: “This motion from the city council shows that Norwich is proud to be welcoming and inclusive, supporting such like-minded educational events. More importantly this motion and the stance of our - city shows that Norwich is no place for hate or discrimination of any kind.”