The Owen Sound & North Grey Union Library’s first Drag Story Time event over the weekend was met with both support and protest.
Chief Librarian and CEO Tim Nicholls Harrison says the event on Saturday was one of the many programs the library holds.
“This is one that we have been looking forward to hosting for our community,” says Nicholls Harrison. “This one we knew there would be certain people who would really appreciate it and may be some people who might not want to involve their children.”
He says they had two performers come read to children with books found at the library.
“Parents and children under 10 was the target audience and unfortunately we had to turn people away. We certainly know that it is an event that was wanted in our community and we are happy to see it happen,” says Nicholls Harrison.
While many came out to support the drag story time event, with scenes of dancing, blowing bubbles and waving flags outside the library, there were also others who gathered holding signs condemning the event and claiming “it groomed children.”
Ann Gillies, one of those who was protesting the event, says they were at the library because they have concerns about the sexualization of children. She says they need to protect children from content of a sexual nature and anything that would promote sexuality to young children.
Owen Sound Library Drag Event (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
Rachel Paterson of Grey Bruce Pride sent a statement to Bayshore Broadcasting News ahead of the event, saying it was “simply about one thing; children are being read books that foster acceptance of self and others.”
“Our supporters … are attending to act as a buffer of those that may be protesting so that these innocent children and families do not need to face stigma, backlash, targeting or trauma for attending what should be a fun occasion at our local library,” the statement says.
Leading up to the event, Nicholls Harrison says he received a number of phone calls and emails from people expressing concern over the drag story time event — but most weren’t from people in the area.
He says it has been a great program and there was an incredible number of people who came out to be affirmative and supportive of the event.
Owen Sound Library Drag Event (Photo by Nathan Shubert)