Controversy erupts after drag performance at Portsmouth school is cancelled

A dispute has emerged between former cabinet minister Suella Braverman MP (Conservative) and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights following the cancellation of a planned drag performance at Fareham Academy in Portsmouth. 

The school had invited Portsmouth-based drag performer Lucy Caboosi to participate in a Pride Month event. However, the invitation was rescinded after criticism from Fareham MP and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Braverman expressed her concerns on social media, stating: “Adults are free to enjoy drag, but children should not be exposed to it at school. It’s highly sexualised, presents a demeaning and distorted image of women, and does not fairly represent the LGBTQ+ community either.”

She later confirmed that she had spoken with the school’s headteacher, who subsequently decided to cancel the performance.

“Following a constructive conversation with the Headmaster of Fareham Academy, I’m very pleased to report back that he has decided to withdraw the invitation to the Drag Artist,” Braverman posted on X.

“Thank you to those parents and residents who contacted me with their worries about this.”

The decision has sparked backlash from some members of the community. A petition launched by a 15-year-old Fareham Academy student, with support from her parents, calls for an end to what it describes as Braverman’s “attack on the LGBTQ+ community.” The petition has garnered over 450 signatures and labels the MP’s comments as “deeply transphobic and harmful.”

Kerry Warwick, the student’s mother, said the same performer had appeared at the school’s Pride event the previous year and was well-received.

“My daughter came home buzzing last year. They really loved it and felt it represented them. The school was doing something positive to celebrate inclusivity, and to me, that is what Pride Month is all about.”

The petition also calls for a public apology from Braverman and a renewed commitment from the school to support LGBTQ+ events and expression.