New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher's office, home vandalized with hate speech
NEW YORK -- Anger over drag queens reading to children has turned violent in the city.
A City Council member says his support for "Drag Story Hour" led to a physical confrontation at his Chelsea apartment building on Monday night.
According to GLAAD, the world's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, more than 120 events in the country featuring drag performers have faced targeted threats this year. And in its latest summary of domestic terror threats, the Department of Homeland Security warned the LGBTQ community is among several groups that could be targeted.
CBS2 is taking a closer look at the controversy surrounding drag performers, and the people caught in the middle.
A group of demonstrators got physical with neighbors at Councilman Erik Bottcher's apartment building on Monday night in Chelsea, and wrote hateful messages on the sidewalk.
"Calling me a pedophile and a child predator and a groomer, really the typical stuff for them," Bottcher said.
Some got inside the building. The NYPD said two women were arrested and charged with criminal trespass.
Prior to this, they allegedly vandalized his district office.
This is outrageous. Completely outrageous.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) December 20, 2022
Erik, you stand up for our city every single day and these cowardly bigots have no place here.
Thank you to the NYPD for your quick work and sending the message that this hate will not go unchallenged. https://t.co/o6SlUzikHc
It all began Saturday morning outside a New York Public Library location on 20th Street.
Councilman Bottcher filmed demonstrators outside Drag Story Hour for neuro-diverse children, kids with autism and other disabilities.
"Luckily, we have people supporting us," Bottcher said.
In a statement, the New York Public Library wrote, in part, "The story hour went on as planned, including readings, coloring activities and a 'dance party' at the end."
It plans to continue offering programs that support diverse voices.
"This is particularly important at this moment when we are seeing a rise of hate and violence targeting LGBTQ+ communities," the library said.
"Our storytellers are trained by professionals on how to deliver those programs, especially where kids can be engaged and not overwhelmed," said Jonathan Hamilt, executive director of Drag Story Hour. "The more that kids experience otherness, they're gonna embrace the diverse world we live in."
For years, Drag Story Hour elsewhere in New York and around the country have been a target of far-right groups.
"It's not like we're kidnapping children," said Sylvia O'Stayformore of Renton, Washington. "They are coming with parents who are here to have a good time and show them inclusivity and love."
"We're seeing a rise in rhetoric that's happening online and social media is now transferring to real life," drag artist Marti Cummings said.
"Protests are a part of free speech in America, but the fact that they are filled with such vitriol and hatred," said Todd Sears, founder of Out Leadership. "Club Q, not even a month ago. All of this violent rhetoric does actually lead to violent outcomes and those who are perpetuating this literally do have blood on their hands."
Bottcher says, ultimately, it's a choice.
"If you don't want to take your kids to the program, don't," he said.
"It's an opportunity for kids to learn about acceptance and expression and imagination," Cummings added.
The New York Public Library said a local drag artist is trained by children's librarians. They read picture books, do movement activities, and give an age-appropriate introduction to the concept of drag as a form of dress-up and play.