Protests at Drag Queen Storytime

The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop held its first Drag Queen Storytime on Saturday, Feb. 25, where more than 20 children and their parents, who came to hear Miss Shirley read stories, were met with protests and counter-protests. Newly elected Chair of the Boulder County Republican Party, George Tristan, posted on his Twitter account, to plan on a "peaceful protest to combat queer child exploitation and grooming."

"We've gotten some hate calls and emails from people," said bookstore co-founder Carissa Mina. "We alerted the sheriff's office that a protest was planned. And then we hired an off-duty police officer just to add in extra security. We just wanted everyone to feel safe and secure."

"So many people came out here to tell us 'don't worry, we're here for you' and it's been so heart-warming to see all of the support. It's great to see that the community has our back," said Jerilyn Patterson, the other co-founder of Wandering Jellyfish.

Denver non-profit organization Parasol Patrol came to the local bookstore to assist those who were trying to enter for the storytime reading. The Parasol Patrol website states, "We shield children and young people at LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC events. We use umbrellas to create a visual barrier so kids won't have to see the signs and angry faces and we even have noise canceling headphones for the little ones because grown adults come with bullhorns to yell at children." The organization also provided free donuts, flyers detailing safety instructions during protests, and sold rainbow parasols on Saturday in Niwot.

"We're just here to protect kids from violence and make them feel that they are in a safe environment," said Eli Bazan, co-founder and director of Parasol Patrol. "We want kids to know that it's okay to be gay and/or trans or both, and that there's nothing to be afraid of in the LGBTQ+ community. Miss Shirley (the Drag Queen) is an amazing person and we're so happy that she'll be making an appearance at this amazing bookstore."

"We're out here because we're a socialist organization," said Tom, a member of the Denver Communists. "And as socialists, we fight for workers' rights and we fight all forms of oppression. Oppression against trans folks affects all workers ultimately. As a teacher, I support all inclusivity and drag queens should be allowed to read stories to kids."

The Soup and Rifles Collective also made an appearance at the counter-protest, supporting the Drag Storytime, but none of the members felt comfortable to be quoted.

Counter-protesters held signs that read, "Queers Bash Back," "Bite Nazis," and "Protect Trans Kids." Others held parasols and LGBTQIA+ pride flags.

"Our concern is that we want kids to be exposed to healthy environments," said protestor Charlie Danaher. "And we don't think this is a healthy environment, because it confuses the children. We feel as a private business (the Wandering Jellyfish) that they can do whatever they want and as private individuals, we get to exercise our First Amendment rights on public property."

"Oftentimes when we speak about these events, we're told that it's not grooming, but it's interesting how there's so much queer promotion at this event," said an anonymous protester.

"I believe it's promoting gender confusion in our children and it's unrighteous," said another anonymous protester.

Protesters held signs that read, "Don't Pervert Our Children," "Stop Grooming Kids," "Keep Kids Innocent," "Serving your kids up to a middle-aged man's sexual fantasy is child abuse," and "Drag Groomers Go To Jail."

When Miss Shirley arrived, she was asked what she thought of the protest and counter-protest. She said, "Well, we certainly know how to throw a party, now don't we?" She also explained, "I'm reading books about dresses and cupcakes and unicorns. We're taking the attention away from situations where kids are actually being mistreated and abused."

The protesters and counter-protesters were mainly non-confrontational. There was some verbal harassment, but no one was assaulted or injured. Parents and their children were able to safely attend the event.

"I'm so happy I brought my kid to Drag Storytime," said an anonymous parent. "Miss Shirley was so sweet and I felt like my kid got to learn that they don't have to conform to any gender roles."