Rainbow story time defended
A library story time has become a source of controversy after adults debated just how much diversity is good for children.
Critics and supporters flooded the Ka¯ piti Coast District Council’s Facebook page after non-binary performance artist Olivia St Redfern read to children at Paraparaumu Library.
Slurs, accusations of ‘‘brainwashing’’ and abuse were shot down by backers of Redfern and the council event.
‘‘This gives me hope for humanity,’’ one parent wrote of the support.
Rainbow Storytimes began as a way to teach diversity and tolerance – in Ka¯ piti, it was part of a school holiday programme.
Resplendent in makeup, pink wig and full beard, Redfern entertained more than 50 adults and children, but a photo of the session drew outrage from people who disagreed with it.
Hundreds of comments from both camps inundated the council’s page. Within hours, it removed the thread because of the ‘‘continued trolling and personal attacks on some participants’’.
One man suggested people should stop paying rates, while a woman said the event was ‘‘fine for an adult audience, but completely inappropriate for children’’.
‘‘For all of you who call us bigots for not agreeing with this, remember we are just as entitled to an opinion as you are. This is not something children should be exposed to,’’ the woman wrote.
While many expressed concern about the event, others supported it and praised the council and Redfern.
‘‘What a lovely initiative! And as can be seen through some of the hateful comments here, it’s much needed,’’ said one woman.
Another said her family would attend the next one: ‘‘It is important for our children to grow up knowing there are many wonderful people in the community and be accepting of all.’’
Redfern said she had read to children at libraries throughout the Wellington region and never experienced abuse like that following the Ka¯ piti event. ‘‘I guess I’m kind of disappointed but not hugely surprised which is a bad reflection of New Zealand.’’
She had been sent messages of support following the furore and would return to Ka¯ piti.
‘‘I had to think about it though. If we take all the transphobic and homophobic stuff out of it, it’s just a really bad way to treat a visitor.
‘‘At the same time, because there was so much positivity, that’s why I would come back.’’
Ka¯ piti Coast District Council was keen to offer similar programmes in the future, spokeswoman Janice McDougall said. ‘‘Our libraries support inclusivity and diversity, and provide a range of programmes and services for everyone in our community to enjoy.’’
The event was included in the school holiday programme after staff saw the great response to similar sessions held in the region’s libraries, she said.
Netsafe spokesman Martin Cocker said online conversations could quickly become polarised.
Topics like gender and culture could easily degenerate into abuse, but there were laws preventing hate speech and threats.