Rainbow Story Time, a one-hour children’s book recital by a local drag performer, went ahead yesterday despite opposition from protesters.
After promotion for the event was met with online threats of a protest, about 12 people with flyers and banners stood on the steps outside the library and by the front door.
Regardless, over 50 parents, children and other attendees lined the seats to listen to Dunedin drag performer Ann Arkii, or Ms Annie, read their favourite stories.
Ms Annie said she was very happy with the turnout and said the children were "absolutely enamoured".
"They were all coming up to me after the show to thank me for reading stories and having a little dance with them.
"The kids were the best part, they were just ecstatic and it made me so happy to see the joy on their faces — it was really cute", she said.
Fifi McMullan, who attended the event with her 4-year-old and 6-year-old daughters, said it was important for them to realise that diversity was a part of life.
She said she had warned her children beforehand there could be protesters at the library, but it had not stopped them from coming along.
She said her children were very curious to learn, and had even asked questions in the middle of Ms Annie’s recital.
"In that sort of safe space, it’s the best place for them to ask and for it to become normal", she said.
Another attendee, a member of Dunedin’s queer community who asked to remain anonymous, said the event was valuable for younger children.
"I would have loved this when I was a kid.
"I had no idea that any of this was a possibility and now, being older, it’s so beautiful to see it happening for kids."
Dunedin city councillor Christine Garey, who attended the event, said there was much aroha and warmth in the room, compared with the "hatred and bigotry" displayed outside.
Cr Garey said Ms Annie was a great storyteller and thanked the efforts of library staff, Dunedin Pride and security for making the event a safe space.
A police spokesman said one person was spoken to at the event and given advice about abusive behaviour.
