A recent performance at a council-backed Pride festival in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich, has sparked a heated debate over the appropriateness of the content presented to a diverse audience that included children. Here’s the whole story.
Simulating Menstruation Through White Trousers
The controversial performance occurred on July 29, 2023, during the Norwich Pride Festival. The performer, Mx Slaybia, identified as non-binary and took the stage dressed in a red alien outfit.
The act began with a rendition of No Doubt’s “Just A Girl,” during which the performer appeared to simulate menstruation through white trousers.
This act was accompanied by the smearing of red liquid symbolizing “blood” on their clothing.
As the performance escalated, Slaybia threw wrapped tampons into the audience, some of whom were girls as young as five.
The Performance Stirred Immediate Controversy
The audience’s reactions varied, with footage capturing one child walking away in apparent discomfort.
The act was introduced by compere Alexa Darling, a drag queen known as the “Broadway Diva Of Norwich,” who provided a trigger warning for potentially sensitive content involving periods.
The performance stirred immediate controversy, with some praising it for promoting discussions around menstrual health, period poverty, and transgender rights.
However, criticism swiftly followed, primarily focusing on the graphic nature of the performance and its suitability for the diverse audience present, including children.
“Puberty Is Scary Enough as It Is for Children Without Someone Standing in Front of Them Making It Into a Glittery Horror Show”
Maya Forstater, founder of the campaign group Sex Matter, condemned the performance and said, “Puberty is scary enough as it is for children without someone standing in front of them making it into a glittery horror show.
It is completely inappropriate at a family event like this. It is almost as if people are trying to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable and appropriate all the time.”
The Norwich Council, which had initially expressed support for the Pride festival, faced scrutiny for its endorsement of the event.
After the controversial performance, the council removed all traces of its backing from its official site.
Periods and Trans Rights
The council declined to respond to inquiries regarding the act or the use of “menstrual blood” in the performance.
While the performance sparked criticism from some quarters, it also drew support from within the LGBTQ+ community.
Alexa Darling, the Drag Queen who introduced the act, fiercely defended Mx Slaybia on social media.
She wrote on Instagram, “Seeing what has been happening to not only one of my best friends but to a fellow queer person as a result of an incredible, important and needed discussion about menstrual health and period poverty including around trans rights is beyond upsetting.”
“We Will Always Strive To Strike a Balance Between Being an Unashamedly Queer and Open Space for Our Performers”
Trustees of Norwich Pride, the event organizers, stood by the controversial performance but acknowledged the need for feedback on their programming choices.
A spokesperson said, “We will always strive to strike a balance between being an unashamedly queer and open space for our performers and creating a show that is able to be viewed and enjoyed by people of all ages. We are grateful to everyone who performed at the weekend for being their authentic, talented selves.”
The trustees condemned any harassment directed towards performers and welcomed constructive feedback from attendees.
Several social media users expressed their thoughts on the incident.
“PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM THIS FILTH AT ALL COSTS”
One Twitter user wrote, “‘LGBT pride family event’ – these are words that do not belong in the same sentence and definitely not a place where children should be taken.”
Another User wrote, “They’re sick and to indicate to the world that there’s pride in this is biblical which they obviously don’t believe in, and utterly disgusting. PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM THIS FILTH AT ALL COSTS.”
The post Pride Performance Shocker: Simulated Menstruation Act at Family Event Sparks Outrage! first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / WhiteHaven. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: Daily Mail