Drag queen Timberlina will host a book reading for children at Newcastle Library this weekend, two weeks after a similar event in Queensland was marred by controversy and tragedy.
Newcastle council has organised a five-month program of readings, song and dance called Rainbow Families Storytime starting on Saturday morning.
"It is fun and inclusive and reflects our city's diverse LGBTQ families," community programs and partnerships manager Alex Mills said in a council statement.
Two weeks ago, University of Queensland Liberal National Club members, including club president Wilson Gavin, confronted two drag queens while they were reading to children at Brisbane Square Library.
Video of the incident went viral on social media, and Mr Gavin, who was gay, took his own life the following day.
Queensland media reported last week that two petitions had been uploaded to the Brisbane City Council website calling on the council to scrap the book readings.
Another petition appeared on the website supporting the events.
Timberlina told the Newcastle Herald on Tuesday that the events in Queensland were "devastating for all parties involved".
"I don't want it to happen here in Newcastle, of course," she said.
"I'm doing the exact some stuff. It's just meant to be about giving kids diversity in their life. That's how I see it.
"I feel like we'll take actions to make sure it doesn't happen here."
Timberlina hosted a similar children's book reading at Newcastle Library in August as part of last year's Newcastle Pride Festival.
"We had a pre-school turn up," she said.
"I think there was over 90 people turn up, so it already has that support from the community.
"I think Newcastle's really, really supportive of it all."
Seventy-five per cent of Novocastrians voted "yes" in the federal government's 2017 marriage equality plebiscite, well above the NSW and national averages.
Deputy lord mayor Declan Clausen said he was confident the Newcastle community would embrace the reading series.
"Rainbow Families Storytime was first hosted by council during Newcastle Pride week last year, receiving an overwhelmingly positive reaction," Cr Clausen said.
"We're now pleased to host the event monthly, starting this Saturday.
"Our libraries do an outstanding job developing programming for a wide diversity of audiences.
"They promote life-long learning and are seeking fun ways to engage all ages in literacy.
"Based on previous success and Newcastle's history as an accepting community, I'm sure this will be a welcomed addition to our regular library programming."
