A GLASGOW museum has stood by a drag performer after receiving backlash for plans to include them in an event celebrating LGBT+ Pride.
The Burrell Collection is hosting a celebration of Pride on Saturday, which has been co-curated with LGBT+ staff and volunteers.
As part of the event, which includes face painting, LGBT+ history tours and is advertised as being suitable for all ages, drag and cabaret artist Tom Harlow will be performing.
However, Harlow – who also helps run campaign group Cabaret Against the Hate Speech – has been subject to a campaign of online harassment from people who believe his act is inappropriate for children.
The Burrell Collection is an inclusive, welcoming museum and the Pride event celebrates this. Tom Harlow is performing classic cabaret and giving insight into the art of performance make-up in a set for all ages. PVG check is not required for public events in public buildings.
— The Burrell Collection (@burrellcollect) July 7, 2023
Pictures of him performing cabaret in nightclubs have been posted online as evidence of his unsuitability.
But Harlow has insisted that he has performed for children many times without issue and is clearly able to distinguish between which parts of his act are appropriate for all ages and alter it accordingly.
Responding to a tweet which asked whether Harlow had undergone a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check and asserted that his performances were unsuitable for children, the Burrell Collection responded with a defence of the artist.
They said: “The Burrell Collection is an inclusive, welcoming museum and the Pride event celebrates this.
“Tom Harlow is performing classic cabaret and giving insight into the art of performance make-up in a set for all ages.
“PVG check is not required for public events in public buildings.”
Last year, an event featuring Harlow at Stirling Tolbooth was cancelled after both he and members of staff at the venue were subject to personal attacks online over similar claims that his act was not suitable for children.
His fee was subsequently donated to the LGBT+ rights charity Stonewall.
