‘Hate has no home in New York’: Chaos ensues at West Village Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon

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Protesters clashed in the West Village on Sunday afternoon over a first-of-its-kind Drag Story Hour Read-A-Thon hosted by Attorney General Letitia James, resulting in one opponent being cuffed.

The concept of Drag Story Hour, public children’s readings in which local drag queens read books to families, has galvanized New Yorkers and Americans alike over the last few years. While many support the readings, some opponents have politicized the topic, pushing false claims that the events sexualize children.

The scene outside the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center on March 19 was no different.

Sunday’s event — hosted by James in partnership with a coalition of advocacy organizations and supported by a bevy of other elected officials — turned the traditional hour-long reading into a four-hour event brimming with inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly arts and crafts.