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Supporters outnumber protesters outside drag queen story hour event in Winnipeg

A group of about 200 counter-protesters stood outside a Winnipeg coffee shop Saturday morning where a drag queen talk hour was held with about 40 protesters and police after the venue's owner received threatening messages.

The protesters “don't even know what they're complaining about,” said Katrina Tessier, owner of Scout Coffee and Tea.

She said three local drag queens approached her about hosting a Halloween-themed story hour for children on Rothesay Street in northeast Winnipeg.

While Scout has hosted many events in the past, none involved drag queens, Tessier said.

“We thought it would be a great event,” he told the CBC on Saturday.

But she began receiving calls, emails and messages on social media criticizing the story, Tessier said. Among them were threatening messages from people who said they hoped the store would burn down during drag hours and that Tessier would be punched in the face.

“If you're so concerned about children, why would you want … (this violence) to happen in a space where children are?” Tessie asked.

Police were made aware of the threat and were on the scene at the time of the incident, he said.

Anne-Louise Michel/Radio CanadaAnne-Louise Michel/Radio Canada

Anne-Louise Michel/Radio Canada

Family drag incidents in Canada have become the target of hate comments and threats in recent years, prompting multiple police investigations and renewed concerns about the safety of the 2SLGBTQ community.

Those protesting Saturday's incident in Winnipeg said they believe children should not be subjected to drag incidents.

“I don't care what they do when they're 18, but there's absolutely no place for children in the grown-up world,” said Janice Smaha, “Only two genders, stay away from our children. .”

“I don't think any kid should take that. It should be illegal, you know? It's not acceptable, it's illegal.”

After learning of the planned protest, Alex Crosney organized a “welcoming committee” to make Saturday's plot hour attendees feel safe. The crowd far outnumbered the protesters outside Saturday's event.

Anne-Louise Michel/Radio CanadaAnne-Louise Michel/Radio Canada

Anne-Louise Michel/Radio Canada

Crosney has a simple message for protesters: stay home.

“If drag queen story time isn't for you, don't come,” she said.

Protesters “choose to shut down and hate instead of opening their minds and reaching out for support and love,” he said.

“It's not an experience for people who come to this event.”

Crosney said she organized her group to support children participating in story hour.

“Queer people don't magically look like adults,” she said. “Some of the kids here today might be special.”

“It's not their kids”

Shane Lawson brought his two young children to the event, which he said was a show of support.

As a gay father, he says he wants them to feel part of his community.

“We're not living in the dark ages anymore. … They're going to be exposed to this in any situation. Why not do it in a fun, inclusive, kid-centered place?” Lawson told the CBC.

Kevin Nepitabo/CBCKevin Nepitabo/CBC

Kevin Nepitabo/CBC

At the end of the day, she says those protesting hours of drag queen stories are spreading the wrong message.

“It's not their kids. It's not their choice,” she said. “They're promoting hate and that's wrong.”

The coffee shop allowed only ticket holders into the event, and all 50 tickets were sold, Tessier said.

People ordering takeout were asked to wait at the door, but Tessier said there was no need to take any security measures in the first place.

She said she tries to educate drag queen event watchers about what goes on in the events.

“They see drag queens and they automatically think it's going to be a club show,” he said. “You really have to understand that these performers can perform at different levels.”

Rose Mortel, one of the drag queens who participated in the event, said that she received death threats and threats of physical violence, so she was happy that the event was successful and peaceful.

“It's good to see that the support on our side is big and on the other side it's very small,” he said on Saturday.

Photo by Duane LarsonPhoto by Duane Larson

Photo by Duane Larson

At the event, “We read a book about dressing up, we read a book about sharing, we read a book about pride, we read a book about Dolly Parton, which was a children's story, so it was about that,” Mortel said.

Tessier is pleased that Crosney's group is organized to make sure participants feel safe at the event.

“I want these people to occupy that space, so when families come, they don't feel like they're being invaded by protesters.”

SEE | The drag queen storytelling event is supported, with some throwbacks noted:

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