Supporters outnumber protesters at drag queen storytime in Woodstock, Ont.

A drag queen storytime in Woodstock, Ont., on Thursday was the most recent library event in Canada to be disrupted by protesters.

In this instance, those opposed to the reading by Miss Lita and Galaxy Rose were outnumbered by dozens more people, including the mayor, who came out to support the event.

In recent months, drag storytimes have been a target, including in Calgary last week where a man was arrested and charged with hate-motivated offences. Earlier in March, a reading was cancelled in Nelson, B.C. after library staff received threats. 

The same thing occurred in Woodstock, library staff said, with people calling to express their disapproval of the event.

"We typically do receive some calls regarding this program at other libraries too," said Megan Cook, manager of public services. "I think the political climate right now is different and I think that's maybe why more people are coming out today."

Miss Lita and Galaxy Rose sang nursery rhymes with the kids and read books to them, interrupted at the beginning of the session by people shouting bible passages. The rest of the event was peaceful. 

But the tension in the room was challenging for Leighland Weldrick, who performs as Miss Lita.

"This is my job and it's how I make a living, so for me to contemplate whether or not I'm going to cancel an event like this because it's being so heavily threatened, directly impacts my well-being and it weighs on you sometimes," Lita said.

Lita's fears have increased as more U.S. states pass legislation restricting drag. Last week in London, Lavish, a bar known as the city's only gay nightclub faced backlash after it cancelled an all-ages university event because it was set to feature drag performers. 

"A lot of times it's empty threats but with the climate in the States the way it is, it just seems like it's getting a lot worse and it's quite uncomfortable to come out and do things like this, but we have to because it's for the kids," Lita said. 

Kids are too young for this, say protesters 

Outside of the library where protestors and supporters gathered, Oksana Sawiak questioned whether the event was appropriate for children. 

"Choices are fine when you're educated to know what's best for you, but children shouldn't be given choices when they're not equipped for it," she said. "With adults it's a different matter and I support everyone's choices."

Irene Bom hoped children would be taught what a drag queen does, instead of only focusing on the books. 

"There are many mixed messages to the children and to adults, and open communication would be very helpful," Bom said. "Why not be open and really promote diversity? I would like to see all communities represented."

Bom said she felt people yelling Bible passages was inappropriate and she wants to engage in open dialogue so people understand each other.

Mayor, other supporters 'disappointed' by rhetoric

Woodstock's Mayor Jerry Acchione attended the event to show his support after he heard there might be a protest from constituents.  

"I was really disappointed how some people feel the need to dictate to others how they should feel or dress and I'm kind of shocked by it," he said, noting it's a parent's choice where they take their children. 

Lenore Butcher, a longtime Woodstock resident, agreed and made a point of reorganizing her lunch break to be on-hand to show her support for drag storytime. 

"It's people in costumes reading stories to your children and it's not harmful, it's fun," Butcher said. "Having a mind open to the diversity and beauty in the world is important."