Lethbridge drag reading draws protest and counter-protest – Lethbridge | 24CA News
Protesters and counter-protesters have gotten a well-known scene at drag readings throughout Canada, with one of the vital latest examples going down outdoors The Crossings Branch of the Lethbridge Public Library over the weekend.
Signs studying “Leave the kids alone” blended with Pride flags on Saturday.
Inside the library, the Lethbridge Pride Fest Society hosted Reading with Royalty, an occasion the place drag performers sing songs and browse books to an viewers that features youngsters.
“We want to stand up for the children,” mentioned Chelle Landry, certainly one of about 20 individuals who confirmed as much as protest the occasion.
She calls drag “adult entertainment,” saying it’s not meant for teenagers.
“If it was an adult venue, that would be perfectly fine, but this is a child’s venue and that makes it not okay,” Landry mentioned.
“Please, have your drag performances (but) have them somewhere else that’s not going to put them in the way of families that perhaps didn’t know anything about this and don’t want to be in front of this,” mentioned JoAnn Hill, one other protester.
Those in opposition to the occasion had been met with their very own opposition, with roughly twice as many counter-protesters attending the hour-long gathering.
“It’s really encouraging to see a lot of people come out in support of the event,” mentioned Lane Sterr, Lethbridge Pride Fest Society president. “I think our community is stronger together than we are divided.”
Supporters say drag readings are family-friendly occasions that give youngsters an introduction to illustration, one thing certainly one of Saturday’s performers needs was out there once they had been younger.
“Seeing something that might be like yourself, outward, can bring yourself a sense of community so you don’t feel so alone,” mentioned drag performer Brandi Jayne. “You get to see some people who maybe feel how you feel on the inside and they’re living it on the outside.”
This follows a protest earlier within the month at drag queen story time in Taber, Alta., the place these opposed voiced comparable issues about that occasion.
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