Drag Queen Storytime At Fall River Library Goes On Despite Opposition

FALL RIVER (AP/CBS) — A Drag Queen Storytime for children at a Massachusetts public library is going on as planned despite opposition.

Josh Kilby will transform into Miss Naomi Chomsky Saturday morning. It will take him three hours to perfect his hair, makeup and outfit for the storytime. "It's a great opportunity to expose children to a gender diverse universe," Kilby said.

Meanwhile, a similar event at a Rhode Island library has been canceled.

Fall River Library Director Liane Verville says she plans to go ahead with Saturday's event despite about 50 calls from people opposed to it, and the promise of a silent sit-in by the conservative-leaning Massachusetts Family Institute.

"We want to make everyone feel welcome especially at the library," Verville said.

Miss Naomi Chomsky will read two children's books about identity in the library's meeting room. The timing is meant to match up with Pride Month, which recognizes acceptance of the LGBTQ community throughout June.

"It's open to the public," Verville said. "If you're not in agreement with this you don't have to go."

According to the library, children "are invited to come in their favorite dress-up clothes and create their own crowns."

Critics of Drag Queen Storytime say it's just too inappropriate for children. "My agenda is a healthy environment for parents to raise their kids," said Andrew Beckwith, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute.

Beckwith says an upset parent brought it to their attention. The non-profit took to social media calling for the storytime to be cancelled.

"What is it about these guys dressing up like hyper sexualized women and reading to small children that they feel the need to do that it's really kind of concerning," Beckwith said.

The library is not backing down and the event will go on amid the possibility of protesters.

The Rogers Free Library in Bristol, Rhode Island canceled its Drag Queen Storytime, saying the town didn't seem "ready." The decision drew the ire of some town politicians who in a statement said the cancellation "runs in direct contrast to the library's stated mission of inclusivity and community."

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)