Hundreds of Wollongong residents turned out to hear Miss Roxee present the controversial and much-publicised Drag Storytime at Wollongong City Library on Saturday.
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The night before the event, Adam Larkham - who performs as Miss Roxee - admitted to feeling nervous about the reception his character would receive.
But Roxee left Wollongong library feeling like a rock star after a crowd of 300 people turned out for the first-of-its-kind event in Wollongong.
Security guards were present due to the backlash on social media in the lead up to the children’s book reading, however there were no reported incidents and everyone appeared to enjoy listening to stories and singing songs.
Roxee said she wasn’t sure what to expect but would have been grateful if at least 30 people attended.
“When I walked out I was overwhelmed by all the people I could see,” Adam’s alter ego Roxee told the Mercury.
“That was so exciting. The library and the council have been nothing but amazing in making sure everything ran smoothly today. They have been brilliant.
“I thought at least there would be one heckler or something that would make me feel not wanted.
“But from the moment I walked in I felt wanted and included by everyone here. I feel like Roxee Rockstar.”
The performer said he had lost sleep over negative comments posted on social media during the week.
“When I woke up at 5 o’clock this morning I was so nervous. From the beginning I had belly pains.
“I was worried last night thinking about what if something does go wrong and what if one of the negative people do try something.
“But it wasn’t going to stop me. Because if the negative people did do something at the end of the day, I am still making a stand for the community.
‘’It was really important that no matter what I felt … the show must go on.”
Drag Storytime was designed to be an inclusive event for all family make-ups across the Illawarra as part of the Wollongong Queer Arts Festival.
Wollongong City Council’s Acting Community Services director Jenny Thompson said Drag Storytime proceeded despite social media comments about it being inappropriate for children and calls for it to be cancelled.
Both the Community Services team and the council stood firm in order to highlight Wollongong libraries as open, safe and welcoming spaces that offer a range of events and activities for everyone.
“We are so delighted with the number of people who have turned out and seeing the absolute joy they have had from this morning’s event,” Ms Thompson said.
“None of the things that we thought may happen from some of the people who were online during the week have ended up happening.”
For anyone who missed out on Saturday, there’s a good chance Drag Storytime will return to Wollongong library.
“If they want Roxee back for Drag Storytime I am here,” the star of the show said.
“I will come and do it again. It was amazing.
“It is very important that something like this continues to happen in the Illawarra.”
Ms Thompson was also open to the idea of a return performance.
“I think we need to plan for that demand,” she said. “For Storytime, 300 people is definitely a record.”
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery described the event as an amazing experience.
“I haven’t seen so many people in the library at one time. It is awesome to see so many kids and mums and dads and everyone who wanted to join in. They are all having a good time.”
Wollongong councillor Tania Brown said the positive response from the Wollongong community on Saturday morning really warmed her heart and said a lot about the city as being inclusive.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
