A Canadian trans cartoonist has faced serious backlash over ‘nappy fetish’ art after being booked for a Sheffield family and kids library event.
Artist Sophie Labelle is set to appear at Sheffield Central Library to discuss her book, The Best Assigned Male, and her trans experiences.
Sophie Labelle, originally from Montreal, Canada, said: “The scrutiny really reminds me of how much the kind of work that I do is necessary, now more than ever.”
Sheffield libraries, has promoted the event as being “suitable for adults, teens and families” which has prompted a serious backlash.
In the past, Ms Labelle has created ‘diaper fetish’ art where adults seek arousal by behaving and dressing up as babies.
Despite this, Ms Labelle has argued her fetish art is ‘non-sexual’ and ‘entirely different’ to her comic books and main art, which is the focus of Monday’s event.
Miriam Cates, Conservative MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, wrote to Sheffield City Council expressing her concerns.
In the letter, Mrs Cates wrote: “In no way can the work or ‘activism’ of this author can be considered suitable for children.
“It is widely agreed by child safeguarding experts, and across society, that it is wrong and deeply damaging to expose children to sexualised material.”
The artist said: “My work aims to empower queer and trans people.
“This attempt to frame it as anything else is despicable and symptomatic of the hateful rhetoric against trans people, especially trans women.”
Richard Williams, a councillor at Sheffield City Council said: “Sheffield is a diverse and inclusive city and it is right that our programme of activity reflects that.”
Ms Labelle said the council’s decision to proceed with the event is ‘the right thing to do’.
Ms Labelle said her work is important for trans and queer youth: “My comics and novels feature thriving trans and queer youth living fulfilling lives.
“I believe these stories can help queer and trans youth dream a future for themselves as I want our communities to thrive.”
The event is still expected to go ahead on Monday 27 February at Sheffield Central Library at 7pm.
Miriam Cates has been contacted for a comment.