More than 250 people gathered outside the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 6000 N. Broadway, on June 9 to counterprotest a group opposing drag story time and to support families entering the event.
“We’re here, not as a protest, but as a dance party,” said Asher McMaher, Executive Director of Trans Up Front Illinois, the group organizing the event. They handed out flags as participants lined the sidewalk, cheering and dancing to queer anthems.
The joyful event brought out residents, small business owners, librarians, block club representatives, faith communities, and local leaders, including Veronica Arreola of the 24th District Police Council and 48th Ward Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth.
Tensions rose when several Chicago Flips Red members–organizers of the initial protest–arrived. According to its website, the group promotes “bold, conservative solutions for a brighter future.”
They livestreamed, shouted at attendees and at one point surrounded Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth while hurling insults.
McMaher described the group’s tactics as “incite and instigate” theater designed for online content. “They’ve been showing up at youth-focused events and quickly become aggressive,” they said.
Chicago Flips Red Co-Founder Zoe Leigh, who identifies as a lesbian, argued that drag performers should not read to children and opposed public funding for the program. “We just don’t want our tax dollars being spent on this,” she said.
As families entered the library, counter-protesters held up Pride flags to shield them. Helen and her toddler, Iris, beamed as they walked through the cheering crowd to the library.
Inside the library, about 50 children attended the story hour, including a class of second-graders from nearby Pierce Elementary. They were read The Rainbow Snail by Karin Akesson and Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.
“It’s wonderful to see all the community come out to support us,” said Library Branch Manager Joanna Hazeldon.
Siblings Fiona, 9, and Lulu, 11, attended the story hour with their mother, Meghan. After exiting the library, they shared their thoughts on the experience.
“I don’t understand all the fuss,” Fiona said. “This is a place for love, not hate.”
Lulu added, “Being gay means being happy, and you should be happy being whoever you want.”
Police arrested one protester after he was given multiple warnings.
“He got in people’s faces and became physically confrontational,” McMaher said. “He swiped someone’s flag and pushed someone to the ground.”
Pastor Kristin Hutson of Edgewater Presbyterian Church said it was vital to stand in solidarity with the community.
Activist Candace Gingrich, who is married to state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, added, “Hate has no place in Edgewater, or anywhere. Let kids be kids.”
The story hour was part of the Chicago Public Library’s month-long Pride programming.
