The LGBTQ Community Center in Greenwich Village was the site of a Drag Story Hour hosted by New York State Attorney General Letita James this past Sunday, which was protested violently, including by members of the alt-right Proud Boys group from Long Island.
Drag Queen Story Hour are children's events first started in 2015 by author and activist Michelle Tea in San Francisco with the goals of promoting reading and diversity. The events, usually geared for children aged 3–11, are hosted by drag queens who read children’s books, and engage in other learning activities in public libraries.
In recent times, the Drag Queens have been coming under fire with false accusations of attempting to influence the children toward a particular lifestyle choice, or at least presenting them with morally questionable materials.
According to progressive news website ThinkProgress, it is a common tactic among the far right to disrupt Drag Queen Story Hours.
One protester who appeared to be a member of the Proud Boys left the area, saying “I came here to help, not get the s*** beat out of me,” according to Freedom News. He seemed to have blood on his face as he left the scene. Another, wearing a face mask was later arrested.
Attorney General James said, “Hate has no home in New York, and I will always fight to ensure our LGBTQ+ siblings’ rights are upheld and defended.”
While families with children were inside enjoying a positive atmosphere of inclusion and love, Proud Boy members, other far-right groups and Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis were outside the event screaming profanities and obscenities at the families and children.
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