Drag queen defends hosting children's show after 'crushing' backlash
Timberlina has been performing at the library for three years before the abuse began.
Drag queen Timberlina has graced the halls of Newcastle City Library ever since the start of 'Rainbow Storytime' three years ago, a children's reading session organised by the local council.
Since 2019, children and parents alike have been delighted by the First Nations performer, who brings storybook characters to life by reading books aloud every Saturday.
Despite no major changes in the session, she's recently received extreme backlash.
"For me it just hurts. It makes me numb," Timberlina told Yahoo News Australia. "We're trying to teach the next generation how to be nice, and the material we include, it's all about diversity and inclusion."
Despite being an advocate against bullying, the drag queen has been the subject of horrific online commentary for several weeks, with her critics accusing her of "grooming" and "sexualising children", simply because she hosts the sessions.
'Love always wins'
In an online statement addressing the backlash, Timberlina expressed, like many performers, she tailors her shows according to the audience.
"I can do many shows. I can be in a corporate environment with high-level wit with no swearing. And then I can be a children's entertainer, with modest clothing," she explained.
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Despite being completely "crushed" by the turn in events, and admitting she was scared for her own safety, the drag queen was adamant the upcoming reading session, which took place on Saturday, would go ahead as usual.
"There was no if, but, or maybe in my mind. That event was happening, even if I had to go out on my own and do it in a park," she shared.
With full encouragement from the library, and the local community aware of the backlash, supporters showed up en masse to cheer on Timberlina and the message she embodies, with many others taking to social media.
"I was horrified to hear about this Timberlina, and extremely proud of you for continuing to be represent" one woman shared, while another also applauded the drag queen for being a "leader".
Despite the situation being incredibly taxing, Timberlina has no regrets around her decision to show up on Saturday.
"I think it's so important because its showing kids no matter who they are, if you are struggling, there is people out there that are different. We're in the community," she said.
"You can be whoever you want to be - you can be a firefighter, a ballet dancer, a drag queen, a Mum. There should be no judgement."
"I will fight until the day I die for equality."
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