lady portia

Defending Drag: Why Lady Portia’s Story Hour Matters More Than Ever

When drag artist Lady Portia took her place in front of children for a storytelling session in Belfast, she was not doing anything revolutionary. She was doing what countless storytellers, teachers and librarians have done for generations, reading stories aloud to spark imagination, share lessons and bring joy.

Yet within hours, a small but vocal group had turned this simple act into a scandal. Angry voices online spread lies. Threats were made. Demonstrations followed. What should have been a wholesome community event became the subject of national headlines.

As editor of GNI Magazine and as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I want to say this clearly: We stand with Lady Portia. We stand with drag. And we stand against the rising tide of hate and intimidation that tries to silence us.

Drag is Art, Drag is Storytelling

At its heart, drag is theatre, costume, performance and creativity in its most joyful form. Children understand this instinctively. To them, Lady Portia is no different from a pantomime dame at Christmas, a Disney princess at a birthday party, or a clown at a school fair. They see the glitter, the personality and the fun. They laugh at the voices. They listen to the stories.

What makes drag unique and often threatening to its critics is that it typically comes from queer culture. Drag is an unapologetic celebration of difference. It says to the world: you do not have to fit into a box, you can be colourful, bold and proud. For children, that message is invaluable. For queer children, it can be lifesaving.

Opponents often claim drag is inappropriate for young audiences, pointing to adult drag shows and suggesting this is the same as reading a storybook to toddlers. That comparison is false. Drag artists tailor their performances to their audiences. Drag for children is family-friendly, imaginative and uplifting.

The Importance of Representation

Representation matters. For queer children and the children of queer parents, seeing Lady Portia on a stage says: you belong, you are visible, you can grow up to be whoever you want to be.

For other children, it normalises differences. It fosters empathy, kindness and respect. A child who grows up seeing diversity as natural is far less likely to grow into an adult consumed by hate.

When critics say drag has no place in our libraries or schools, what they really mean is that queer people should stay hidden. But history tells us that silence is never the answer. Visibility saves lives. Inclusion saves lives.

The Rise of Backlash

Sadly, what happened in Belfast is not isolated. Across the UK, Ireland and beyond, drag story hours have become a target for far-right groups and so-called “concerned parents.”

Social media has amplified their misinformation, allowing it to spread quickly and dangerously.

These groups recycle old stereotypes, claiming drag is sexual or unsafe around children, the same myths once used to justify discrimination against all queer people. In Belfast, this backlash reached frightening levels. Threats were made. Tempers flared. People spoke as if they had the right to dictate what others should be allowed to see.

Let us be clear: there is no place for threats or intimidation in a democratic society.

Education is the Answer

If there is one thing the Lady Portia controversy shows us, it is the urgent need for education. Children who grow up with LGBTQIA+ inclusion do not fear it. They accept it as part of the world. The resistance comes from adults who were denied that chance when they were young.

That is why events like drag story hours matter so much. They build a future where diversity is embraced, where prejudice has no soil to grow in.

Standing in Solidarity

As a community, we must stand together. Lady Portia should not face this backlash alone. Every drag performer in Northern Ireland steps on stage with courage, knowing they may be met with hostility. They deserve our support, our applause, and our protection.

To our allies: speak up. Do not let hate dominate the conversation. Share your support online. Attend events. Challenge misinformation. Together we can drown out intolerance with louder voices of love, inclusion and pride.

Lady Portia’s Legal Fund

Now, Lady Portia is taking legal action to defend herself against false accusations and to stand up for our community’s right to live, work and create without fear. Legal action is expensive, and that is why a community fund has been launched to help cover her legal fees. In true Lady P fashion, she has promised that any money not needed will go straight back into supporting the trans and non-binary communities she has always championed.

If you have ever danced at one of her shows, laughed at her sharp wit, felt safer because she was in the room, or simply believe in protecting those who protect others, please donate whatever you can.

No amount is too small. Every pound is a step towards justice. Donate here: https://gofund.me/764d5212

Let us show Lady Portia the same love and support she has shown us for so many years. Donate. Share. Stand with her.