Drag queen Sab Samuel will continue the story time despite the hate messages

When Sab Samuel became the first drag queen to read children’s stories to youngsters in UK libraries, she sparked protests across the country.

Sab, who are better known by their stage name Aida H Dee, are used to being challenged. Growing up, they were too scared to go to school.

Sab said bullies attacked them, while teachers said they “couldn’t do anything to help”.

Everything changed for Sab, they said, when they starred in drag as a villain in their school play in Bath, aged 13. They stood on stage and decided to be themselves.

At the end, they were rewarded with a standing ovation, and some of their former enemies praised their courage.

This led them to launch the UK’s first drag queen story, which took place in Bristol in 2017.

Sab now tours the country, performing at theaters and libraries.

“It’s not just for LGBT+ kids, it’s for everyone. Everyone should feel proud of who they are,” they said.

Since the tour’s inception, shows have been marred by protests from outside.

Sab said their online accounts were also bombarded with hate messages.

While many people may have been put off by the backlash, Sab said they used it to make them stronger.

Their sold-out show at St George’s in Bristol in April went without a single protester, but an event in Liverpool in May had to be canceled after the hate messages became too much for Sab.

“It blew up and there were hundreds of hateful comments,” they said.

“One message threatened to cut me into pieces and throw me in the river.

“The location was getting very anxious and we respected that.”

Some events go unnoticed, while others make international news.

“It can just be a tweet that sets things off,” Sab said.

“Hate messages get worse in the presence of Pride month and during Pride.”

A few days before the start of Pride month, Sab was attacked while walking with their fiancee on Queen Street in Cardiff city centre.

“I will continue to do my show, the rest is just background noise,” said Sab, who has also written and published three children’s books.

“I’m the role model I wish I had when I was growing up. I’m showing people that it’s okay to be who you are.”

Sab is also trying to raise awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition they battled at school.

Parents will sometimes ask Sab to talk to their children if they have ADHD.

“I like to celebrate,” Sab said. “It’s something that makes them special and unique.”