Crowds gather to protest and support Edgewater library’s Pride Month event

CHICAGO — Dozens of people protested outside the Chicago Public Library in Edgewater, criticizing a Pride Month event held there on Monday morning.

Hundreds of others came to counter protest, supporting the library’s decision to host story time with a drag queen.

Supporters used pride flags to help shield the families who were walking into the event from those protesting against it.

“We never even saw the hateful protestors, but we did see a strong showing of loving counter protestors wearing rainbow flags and trans pride flags. [They] actually chaperoned us into the front door of the library,” William Kelly said.

The library promoted the event online as a special story time with books, music, and a guest drag performer.

Critics argued that the event shouldn’t have been held at a public library.

“When I go to a public library, whereI pay my taxes, I don’t want to see a man dressed up in drag. I don’t want my kid to be subject to that,” Danielle Carter Walters, the Vice President of Chicago Flips Red, said.

Supporters argued that the library should have programming for everyone.

“We’re talking about fun, sparkly costumes and reading some books. There are still age-appropriate books for these young children,” Asher McMaher, the Executive Director of Trans Up Front Illinois, said.

The families who attended the event told WGN News that despite what was happening outside, their children had a great time. 

“They enjoyed that there was a book, they enjoyed that there was some music, they enjoyed that there was some dancing… honestly, it was a really fun story time,” Kelly said.

Chicago police say one person was arrested at the protest. A 48-year-old man allegedly pushed someone and tried to bite an officer, before being taken into custody.

WGN News reached out to the Chicago Public Library for comment but have not heard back. They have four drag story times scheduled at different libraries in June.