Public libraries are for everyone, but last year, the LGBTIQA+ community became a target for exclusion by anti-queer campaigners, when drag story time events – designed to celebrate diversity and embrace rainbow families –were shut down or postponed due to threats, protests and abuse. Librarians, drag artists, families and council staff were on the frontline of these attacks. To counter the hurt caused by these campaigns, the LGBTIQA+ and library communities joined forces to celebrate and reclaim libraries as safe spaces for everyone.
This event was held on November 15, 2023 in partnership between the Office of the Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities, Public Libraries Victoria and the State Library of Victoria.
Speakers
Angela Savage
CEO, Public Libraries Victoria
Jane Cowell
CEO, Yarra Plenty Regional Library
Dr Todd Fernando
Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities (now former)
Jasper Peach
Trans, non-binary and disabled writer, speaker and parent
Dr Carolyn De Cruz
Senior lecturer in gender, sexuality and diversity studies
Latrobe University
Sam Elkin
Writer and broadcaster
Karen Pickering (host)
Feminist writer, activist, organiser and bi-sexual single mum