Head’s ‘vile abuse’ over drag act visit
Anger over explicit social media content of performer
A PRIMARY school headteacher has been subjected to vile “homophobia and hate” after inviting a drag queen into the classroom to talk to kids.
Shell-shocked Michelle Watson took to social media to highlight the “truly awful” abuse aimed at her and her staff at Paisley’s Glencoats Primary School.
The school welcomed drag artist Flow Job and Mhairi Black MP for a Q&A as part of LGBT History Month.
However, it was revealed afterwards that the performer has a sexually explicit online profile, including pictures with sex toys, which provoked an angry backlash. Last night, Renfrewshire Council education bosses said they would not have sanctioned the visit had they known of the X-rated online content.
In a tweet, which has since been deleted, Watson wrote: “The trolling, personal comments, homophobia and hate that has come my way and to those I work with has been truly awful.
“This is exactly why we should educate our children to be accepting of all people. Everyone deserves love.”
A pupils’ group known as the Rainbow Squad organised the event as part of a drive to promote inclusiveness and acceptance of the LGBT+ community.
LGBT Youth Scotland backed the teacher, saying: “We’re horrified to see the abusive messages and tweets targeting Glencoats Primary for their bold and brilliant LGBT inclusive education practices.”
Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Black said: “I can’t begin to explain the importance of representation for young LGBT people.”
But a Renfrewshire Council spokesman said: “In this case, the social media content associated with the speaker’s stage persona is not appropriate for children. Had we been aware, the visit would not have been arranged.”
An LGB Alliance Scotland spokesman said: “Drag entertainment is an adult form of entertainment which is about breaking boundaries of taste and cultural norms.
“That’s why drag entertainment takes place usually in licensed premises where kids are not allowed.”