Ten year-old Sparkle has been performing in drag since they were eight. Mother Michelle Porter has always supported the youngster’s wishes to do drag, but says she has received hateful homophobic abuse as a result (Pictures: KGW)

A mother has told of how she was branded a pedophile for letting her child become a drag queen at the age of eight.

Michelle Porter says she has received hateful abuse for supporting the non-binary youngster, called Sparkle and their desire to do drag after they showed a talent for performing.

She said the hateful messages began to roll in over the last month when Sparkle, who is now 10, performed at an all-ages drag show.

Porter, of Portland, Oregon, told KGW: ‘It said horrific, homophobic things.


‘They accused everybody, including myself, of being pedophiles.

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Porter was concerned about letting Sparkle come to Portland Pride after they received online abuse, but the young performer was helped by an LGBTQ charity, who offered them a prime seat on the back of a pickup truck (Picture: KGW)

‘(We) really want to come to Pride; our kids expect it.



‘This is something that’s really important to our family, but I am scared.’

Sparkle, who uses the pronouns ‘they’ and ‘them’ was described as ‘born fabulous’ by their supportive mother.

Porter said she was so feared for her child’s safety she debated whether to avoid Portland Pride, which was held Sunday, for fear of subjecting Sparkle to abuse.

But LGBTQ support group the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence stepped in to support the family, and gave Porter the confidence to let Sparkle march.

Sparkle was seen looking relaxed and happy as they took in the Pride parade while sat in the bed of a pickup truck, with the youngster hailed as an inspiration by other attendees.

Porter and her family were also offered free cab rides to and from Pride by a local taxi firm to ensure their safety.

The devoted mom added: ‘I’m just doing what any mom would do.

‘I have a kid who is passionate about something.

‘I’m encouraging them and loving them and I’m showing up for them.’