YORKTON - Drag Queen Story Time was held at Coles in the Parkland Mall Friday as part of Pride Week activities.
The hour long event which saw drag queen ‘SheFoam’ read to about 20 children and their parents and guardians was met by a group of individuals chanting "eave our children alone" in the common area outside the book store.
The gathering – when asked by Yorkton This Week if someone with the protest wished to talk to media we were informed it was just people gathered – although they did not want to be interviewed – raised enough of a commotion that security was on scene.
The chanting continued, and Coles eventually closed the glass doors to allow the reading to continue.
Before the event was concluded four RCMP officers were on scene as well.
While YTW asked on three occasions for someone to speak to from among the chanting public, no one took up the offer.
Margo Allaire with the group organizing Pride Week activities in the city called the situation “frustrating,” then added “it’s really sad more than anything.”
Allaire said events such as the one at Coles are not new to the city.
“We’ve had drag events in the community in the past that were all ages,” they said, adding those events did not bring out people obviously protesting.
Allaire said the chanting opposition this time are “a reflection of the social climate right now.” They said you can see an anti trans anti gay propaganda effort and sentiment growing in certain places in the United States and now here as well.
The frustration comes because the sentiment makes certain people, those in the LGBTIQA+ feel very isolated and alone.
“I know it’s hard. I know what it’s like to grow up without really fitting in,” they said.
“That’s why these events are important. It shows kids it’s OK to be different, to not really fit in.
“This is about providing support and love.”
Asked if they would hold a Drag Queen Story Time again, Allaire responded quickly, “hell yes we would,” adding the 20 children who did show up made it worth while.
“The kids all seen love wins. That’s why we have pride,” they said.
Pride Week activities continue in Yorkton through Saturday.
* The Pride Parade is set for Saturday with marshalling at Shaw Park starting at 11 a.m. and a 12 noon start time.
* Don't Be a Drag Yorkton Drag Show Extravaganza will wrap up the week at the Land Titles Building with doors open at 7 p.m. and the show set for 8 p.m.
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