A demonstration targeting a drag queen story hour in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood sparked an impromptu counter-protest complete with music, dancing and an overwhelming show of support.
“Jerry Tales: A Storytime Soiree With Drag Queens,” a brunch time featuring drag queens Ginger Forest and Candi Forest, takes place monthly at Jerry’s Sandwiches, 4739 N. Lincoln Ave.
At the latest round on Sunday, about a dozen protesters appeared outside the sandwich shop. At first the hosts went as usual.
“We chose to ignore the exaggerated and hateful comments as we continued to prepare for our monthly storytime,” the drag duo explained on their Facebook page.
A short time later, something unexpected – but welcome – happened.
“…Within minutes the negative protest was being scolded by local community members asking them to leave our show alone, there was nothing wrong with it, and that the community supports it,” the post added.
In the minutes that followed, people from across the block flocked to the restaurant with anti-protest signs and created an impromptu dance party to drown out the demonstration.
The next day, Ginger and Candi thanked the community for their outpouring of support.
“…We appreciate and love all the support we have received over the past 5.5 years and hope to continue to provide a safe environment for families and children to learn, read stories and have fun!” they stated in the Facebook post. “Thank you for your continued support and love, it means the world to us.”
Drag storytimes hosted by libraries or bookstores have become a common target for far-right groups, who argue that such events are not suitable for children. Proponents argue that such storytelling introduces children to important themes, including diversity and inclusion.