JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens (PIX11) --- Supporters and protesters of Drag Story Hour at a library faced off from opposite sides of the street in Queens on Thursday.
Protesters carried "leave the kids alone" signs while supporters held up signs that said "drive the homophobia away" and "libraries are for everyone" signs at the Queens Public Library in Jackson Heights. The supporters outnumbered the protesters at the scene.
Police were called to the scene. This isn't the first time protesters have shown up to Drag Story Hour. Some protesters allegedly previously stormed Councilmember Erik Bottcher's office; Botcher helped organize Drag Story Hour.
“In recent months, anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters have descended on these family events, attempting to get into our libraries to disrupt them while shouting homophobic and transphobic slurs at performers and attendees," Bottcher, along with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Members Shekar Krishnan and Crystal Hudson said in a joint statement. "They have also vandalized the homes of three members of this City Council who support Drag Story Hour. It is particularly disturbing that these anti-LGBTQIA+ protesters have focused their harassment in Jackson Heights and Chelsea, two neighborhoods with historical importance as safe communities and centers of organizing for the LGBTQIA+ movement in New York City."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
