Drag queen Timberlina estimated that about 150 children, parents and supporters turned up to Newcastle Library on Saturday morning for Rainbow Families Storytime - the first in a monthly program of stories, dance and song hosted by Timberlina.

Saturday's event was the second at Newcastle Library - the first was held last year as part of Newcastle Pride Festival.

"Those kids didn't care who I was, they saw a person in a sparkly dress, sparkly shoes and big hair," Timberlina said.

She said Saturday's free reading was so popular that not everyone could squeeze into the designated space at the library, so for next month's event - on March 7 - she would be "taking over the whole library".

And when it comes to any negativity about the program on social media, Timberlina's approach is simple: "The more hate you put onto my community ... I will work 10 times as hard to make this world a happy place that's full of diversity and love!"

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