Rainbow Storytime organisers are “disappointed” with councils cancelling their events — saying it emboldens those using “intimidation” to continue their actions.
Taranaki drag queens Erika and Coco Flash have been visiting libraries and other spaces across the country for around six years. They read books — such as Giraffes Can't Dance and The Book with No Pictures — to children which impart themes of positive self-image and diversity.
Hastings Library's Rainbow Storytime event was due to take place today but was called off after Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki called for protests, leading to "safety concerns". A second event — Living Library, aimed at teenagers — was also scheduled to take place but was likewise cancelled.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, organisers Daniel Lockett, also known as Erika Flash, and Sunita Torrance, who goes by Coco Flash, said they understoodthe reasons for cancelling but it was still “really disappointing”.
“It’s sad because what we do is really needed, and the people that come along absolutely love what we do,” Torrance said.
“It’s a real blow to the community, and it’s a real blow to us because we love what we do.”
Lockett said stopping the events would only make things worse, emboldening those showing up to protest.
He said: “Cancelling something like this means that it’s going to light flames in people to be able to do it again.”
Before their event in Gisborne yesterday, the city’s rainbow crossing was vandalised – painted white by Destiny Church members.
Lockett said the destruction of the crossing was "the worst thing that we’ve ever had happen to us", saying the act was "more than just a paint job".
"It’s telling us that we are going to be silenced, and they’re going to do anything they can, whether it's legal or not, to shut us up."
'Intimidating the children'
On X, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki said the protestors wanted to protect “the innocence of our kids”, claiming drag queens were "adult entertainment" and the events spread "gender ideology".
Lockett said he found this explanation "counterproductive".
"All they’re doing is intimidating the children that were wanting to come along, and the families," he said.
Torrance said: "There’s nothing to protect the children from. All we want is to promote kindness and to teach kids to be kind to that kid might be a bit different."
Despite the protestors outside Gisborne Library yesterday, the event went ahead, with Mayor Rehette Stoltz saying it was important to "provide a wide range of educational and cultural opportunities".
Torrance and Lockett praised the council for standing its ground and allowing families in the region to make "choices" for themselves.
"We’re not taking choices away from their [protestors] communities, but they’re taking choices away from our communities."
The protestors were met with a flurry of counterprotesters who supported the event and the children attending. Torrance and Lockett called the support "amazing" and said it made the event "beautiful".
"We’re not stopping," Torrance said.
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