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Activists Ensure Latest Drag Queen Story Hour Goes Uninterrupted

State delegates and county legislators stood in solidarity with about 50 rainbow flag wavers as they greeted the young children attending Drag Queen Story Hour in Downtown Silver Spring Saturday.

The LGBTQ+ activists, who are with Parasol Patrol DMV, gathered to ensure that the young children and their families could walk into the event without incident. Last week, members of the extremist group, Proud Boys, heckled the children and their families with the goal of interrupting a similar event at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton.

At that event, protestors wore masks and held signs against LBGQT+ members. The men also followed and harassed the performer at the end, according to Kristin Mink, the Democratic candidate for county council in District 5.

While there were no protestors at the Oct. 15 event that was sponsored by Loyalty Books in Silver Spring, there seemed to be fewer attendees than at previous events.

“That’s part of our concern. We don’t want the children to be scared off,” said Mink, who helped arrange the counter protest.

“The community showed them today that they are wrong. As long as there’s compassion in the world, trans and gender non-conforming people will be defended,” said Ivy R., a trans woman.

County Executive Marc Elrich attended the counter protest, “I wanted to show my support,” and let everyone know they are part of the community, he said.

Also standing in the welcoming line was Councilmember Evan Glass, the council’s first LGBTQ+ member. “This brings me so much pride to see our community coming out, to make sure we continue our inclusive values.”

Bella Naughty led the storybook hour, reading several books, teaching the attendees a few words in Chinese and leading a dance party.

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