Rainbow flags and unicorns were stationed outside 琉璃神社鈥檚 downtown library for the return of Drag Story Time on Saturday morning (Jan. 28).

More than 250 people dressed up to show their support for the colourful event and approximately 20 people held signs opposing the Story Time.

The story time event, led by drag queen Freida Whales, was well attended with more than 100 people inside the library.

Whales read stories about diversity and inclusion to the crowd families. She also led the group in children songs.

Concrete Dave, one of the organizers of the anti-Story Time protest, said that he commuted in from Armstrong for the event.

He said that exposing youth to drag 鈥渟exualizes鈥� and 鈥済rooms鈥� children.

Courtney, a supporter of the event, said 鈥渆veryone should be able to read to kids.鈥�

READ MORE: Drag defenders asked to bring signs, flags and love to downtown 琉璃神社 rally

鈥淭he people that are up against this are sexualizing the people that are just trying to read to children,鈥� said Allison, a Drag story time supporter. 鈥淚t shouldn鈥檛 matter what their sexual orientation is鈥� they鈥檙e reading to children and nobody should be stopping that.

The event remained peaceful with many police stationed at the event, both inside and outside the library.

A young attendee said that they are proud of 琉璃神社鈥檚 queer community and are excited to attend 2SLGBTQIA+ events in the future.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Drag queen speaks out after online petition condemns 琉璃神社 Drag Story Time for families

Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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