A woman who books appearances for drag queens says the cancellation of a second rainbow story time event in as many weeks says threats are an attack on the queer community, and not a rejection of drag.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council has been criticised for its decision to call off Betty Confetti's appearance at the city's library in early June, after intimidating behaviour towards its staff.
A similar event was cancelled by Monash City Council in Melbourne earlier this month.
Melbourne-based drag queen Ashley Madison said the councils could have instead issued a statement saying it would not "bend to the extremist ideals of a select few" and it could have had police attend the event to ensure the safety of everyone.
Ms Madison also said the cancellations of these events and threats against them had nothing to do with drag.
"People have loved drag for decades: Robin Williams as Mrs Doubtfire, Barry Humphries as Dame Edna, John Travolta in Hairspray, Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie, Tim Curry in Rocky Horror, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce in Priscilla, Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes in To Wong Foo, Martin Lawrence in Big Momma's House, Marlon and Shawn Wayans in White Chicks," she said in a statement.
"This is has nothing to do with drag, and everything to do with being queer."
Ms Madison said she was concerned the Goulburn Mulwaree Council had set a "dangerous precedent" of cancelling events if people made enough threats.
She said not all councils had succumbed to similar pressure.
"I would urge [chief executive Aaron Johansson] to reverse his decision, show his support for the queer community, and take steps to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance, as a strong leader should do," Ms Madison said.
Community concern
The decision has rattled some members of the LGBTQIA+ community, who also believe the threats are about their community and not drag.
Brittany is a Canberra resident who had been planning to move to Goulburn with her wife and children, and said she was now reconsidering in the wake of the cancellation.
"I'm not sure if Goulburn is a safe place to raise my children," she said.
"Is this just an outspoken, small group of community members or is this a prevalent kind of view in Goulburn?
"My children going through school with two mums, are they going to be exposed to this hate?"
Brittany said she was worried whether her family would be given the same opportunities as others.
"My concern is that it sets a precedent that the community can dictate the events that are offered to diverse families by making threats and riling up in anger and hate, and use that to control the decisions that council makes about what programs will be offered to the community," she said.
Pride picnic
The Goulburn Mulwaree Council's decision has prompted local resident, Solas Le Maitre, to plan a pride picnic to promote inclusivity and acceptance in the Goulburn community.
"I just wanted to create a safe, inclusive event that makes sure the LGBTQIA+ community are seen, are heard, and know that they are accepted and that they are welcome here," they said.
Solas Le Maitre has lived in Goulburn for about one year with their husband and children.
"I feel like Goulburn can be extremely inclusive, it's just that those who don't feel the same way are very loud and threatening," they said.
"It upsets me that people within the LGBTQTA+ community would not feel safe here."
The Goulburn Mulwaree Council has declined to comment further.
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