The Danes are extremely liberal – or at least we have always been led to believe that. After all, they were the first to legalize pornography and same-sex civil unions.
But there has always been this suspicion that a silent majority rejects dullness. Take the raunchy sex shop windows for example: more people would go inside to complain if they could guarantee their neighbors wouldn’t see them popping up again!
And sure enough, outrage has flown fast and furious in the build-up to a drag show aimed at children which will be staged in a library in the heart of the capital tonight.
It’s the story that has gripped the nation: with some getting so hot and bothered, they should pour the entire water cooler over their heads.
“Extremely unpleasant” abuse
Diana Diamond, one of two drag queens who will take the stage tonight at Frederiksberg’s main library to mime Disney classics for an audience of children aged six to 12, has received several threats. They went so far as to accuse him of being a pedophile.
“It has been extremely uncomfortable. But that only makes me even more keen that we do the show. I’m still incredibly excited,” Magnus Lykke Johansson, the man behind the costume, told DR.
The event is held at Frederiksberg Main Library as part of Den Lille Kulturnat, the children’s response to the Kulturnat event, which is traditionally held in October.
It is specifically inspired by the children’s book ‘Børnene i Sølvgade’ by Renee Toft Simonsen, which shows a transvestite man who dresses in a skirt and high-heeled shoes.
Library 100 percent behind performance
According to Frederiksberg Main Library, the event is meant to “celebrate diversity”, but it has also been contacted by some angry people who are determined that the event should be cancelled.
“They told us in not very nice language that we have to drop the show. But the library is a place for everyone and for us it’s not political. It’s part of what we’re put in the world to do,” explained library director Tina Pihl.
“I am really sorry that the actors have received threats. People can think what they want, but I had hoped that the performers would be spared.”
Demonstration outside show
A demonstration will be held outside the library when the children arrive. It has the support of the Danish People’s Party.
According to one of its co-organizers, Isla Tusindstråle, it is inappropriate for artists who usually provide adult content to perform for children.
“I don’t see how you can remove the sexual aspect of these two people. How will they remove the entire essence of their expression? They just can’t. They are pornographic in their expression,” she reasoned.
But Jan E Jørgensen, spokesperson for culture for Venstre, who is also a councilor in Frederiksberg, disagrees. “To me, it’s pretty innocent,” he said.
Source: The Nordic Page