Woodstock Library Drag Story Time draws hundreds of participants, few protesters – Daily Freeman

Drag performer Amber Guesa reads to a group of children on the grounds of the Woodstock Library in Woodstock, N.Y., on Saturday, June 17, 2023. (William J. Kemble Photo)

WOODSTOCK, N.Y. — Drag Story Time and Sparkle Party on Saturday provided the shine that Woodstock Library officials had hoped for during the reading of several children’s books about finding someone who appreciates you and navigating life when fitting in is difficult.

The event had drawn attention in the past week when three complaints were filed with the library board. But those people were not among the three opponents who turned out to watch about 150 children and the same number of adults take part in the 90 minutes of storytelling.

“The children … really had a wonderful time,” library Directory Ivy Gocker said. “When we were planning this I wouldn’t have expected that many people. But then after we were in the news and we had the board meeting I realize we were getting so much attention that we were going to get a huge turnout.”

The show featured performers Amber Guesa and Katarina Mirage reading books intended to be consistent with the idea of inclusion that carries past Pride Month. Among the stories were “Little Mermaid,” “Not Quite Narwhal,” and “Tango Makes Three,” with the children and their parents sharing laughter that Mirage said was appreciated coming from little people who were dressed in their finest frilly gowns and decorative crowns.

“I didn’t really think it was going to be canceled but when I saw the negativity online, like anyone it’s going to cross your brain,” Mirage said.

However, the number of people trying to find parking near the library was an indication that the event was going to be successful.

“I actually got here 10 minutes late because there was a line of traffic trying to get in here,” Mirage said.

Parent Amie Bradon was grateful for the program because it provided a partial explanation on different lifestyles, life interests, and personal choices to her 6-year-old without having to take conversations into places she didn’t want it to go.

“This is good because they can ask any questions they want and as someone who is not gay, trans or has interest in being anything other than a straight, boring mom this is a way to work on acceptance and letting my son know that they can live in a world with differences,” she said. “I came from Rockland County because I’d read about this and felt it would be safe.”

Only one of the three people who were actively protesting would provide their name or say where they came from. Town resident Tom Jenkins said before the event that he considered it inappropriate to have children see men dressed as women.

“The people who are allowing this have to separate education and the art of the drag queen,” he said. “I’m not … anti-anybody but when it comes to grooming our children and putting the sexuality of children on the line with a drag queen, who little kids wouldn’t understand, I don’t get it. It’s entertainment for adults … to see it, appreciate it, and applaud. But a little child is very, very confused, and parents who are bringing their kids here ought to go to a psychiatrist.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated June 17, 2023, at 6:25 p.m. to correct a quote from Amie Bradon.