A drag queen escorted from a public library by police with a fellow performer has criticised protesters and accused them of scaring people away from their 'family-friendly' story time.

Lady Portia Di'Monte, known as the 'North Ireland's First Lady of Drag', and Miss Dora Belle, were walked from Holywood Arches Library in Belfast by PSNI officers.

Lady Portia read to the children while Miss Dora Belle narrated them with British Sign Language (BSL), including some 'stories celebrating diverse families'.

But the event on August 1 was disrupted by protesters who stood outside. Northern Ireland's communities minister Gordon Lyons later said the event was 'not appropriate for children' and 'should not have taken place'.

'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families', the drag star has said in response.

'Representation matters. When children see diversity reflected around them-whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different-it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience.

'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued'.

Lady Portia has instructed lawyers and threatened to sue trolls who have launched a barrage of 'abuse and false accusations' online since the event.

'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British Sign Language session - promoting communication and belonging for all.

'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending.

'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats - not because of any risk inside.

'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety.

'To the families, staff, and supporters-thank you. To those spreading hate-I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are'.

The ticket-only event was advertised as 'suitable for all ages and families' and to 'champion individuality and inclusivity amongst its young audiences, featuring sing-alongs and dancing.'

However, parents protested outside the library before the police were called to escort the two drag artists away and appeared to have given them a lift.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said: 'Police attended a report of a small demonstration at the Holywood Arches area of east Belfast on Friday August 1, shortly after 1.40pm and engaged with those present.

'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace.

'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.'

Footage of the incident showed at least three police officers went to the library.

Protesters shouted 'shame on you', 'leave our kids alone' and 'you do your thing but leave our kids alone' at the drag artists.

Lady Portia confronted the protesters and said they would have been welcome to attend before waving the classic story read to the children that day, Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell.

One critic commented on the video and said: 'The police are being used as a taxi service to ferry drag queens'.

The incident has sparked a political row in Northern Ireland with critics asking why the police needed intervene. 

Gordon Lyons said the event had 'compromised the perception of our public libraries as a welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.  

He said he has 'directed' his officials 'to liaise with Libraries NI to ensure that policy is faithfully implemented'. 

While TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said: 'Drag performance, by its very nature, is a sexualised and exaggerated parody of womanhood - rooted in adult entertainment and gender subversion.

'Why then is it considered acceptable for someone best-known for adult-themed performances to adopt the same persona while reading stories to children?'