AN established drag performer has told demonstrators who failed to disrupt an LGBTQ+ event in Colchester to “go and protest about electricity” instead.
Sirena Hart stood in solidarity with the city’s LGBTQ+ community on Saturday during a counter-protest outside Colchester Library, in Trinity Street.
The heart-warming display of unity and inclusivity was organised in response to a rumoured demonstration against the venue’s Drag Storytime event.
The call-to-arms was issued only the evening before, but more than 250 people came together in the city centre, with many holding aloft colourful messages of equality.
READ MORE: Colchester's LGBTQ+ community comes together in show of solidarity
Sirena, who attended the peaceful rally, said: “Our bright colours drowned out their misinformed and extremely disrespectful minds.
"Our solidarity shined bright and their blacks, greys and beiges simply didn’t.
"Above all the community did everything they could to make sure the families that wanted to enjoy drag could do so in peace.
"The same way you wouldn’t let your children watch all movies, you wouldn’t let children watch all drag.
"Let families enjoy their desired art-forms in peace. Go and protest about the rise in electricity, not a drag story time."
The library’s Drag Storytime was part of a month-long festival called Kaleidoscope, which is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month.
The family-friendly event was led by Essex-based drag artist An Nemia, who read books to children and parents.
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