The stories of those involved in drag storytimes will take centre stage at an upcoming Sarnia Speaks event.
The organization, in conjunction with Diversity Ed, is hosting Drag Storytime on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sarnia Library Theatre.
Local drag artist Galaxy Rose, one of the event's speakers, said there's been a lot of backlash in regard to drag and drag storytime in particular.
"So the event is just to broach that issue and to enlighten people as to what it is in simple terms that lets people understand what it is that we do and how we are actually not a harm to children."
Drag storytimes feature storytellers using the art of drag to read books to kids in libraries, schools, and bookstores.
Rose said because of the backlash and the growing rhetoric of hate associated with the events, the threat of violence has become more prevalent.
"It just kind of changes the narrative a little bit and changes how you feel about going in, because this is supposed to be a safe space, especially for children. And to be faced with the possibility that there might be something violent to occur, it's just devastating to think about."
The Book Keeper book store in Sarnia was met with protestors during one of their monthly Drag Queen Storytime events last year. On Saturday, the site is hosting the "All You Need Is Love Rally".
https://www.facebook.com/events/701824938314986
Rose said the positive response and the outpouring of support they've received has been tremendous.
"It's really nice to see, especially when businesses come out and speak on our behalf or act as allies. It's really important that we get to see who our allies are when we are being faced with that kind of violence or rhetoric."
Rose said that young people are really engaged because they connect with the stories and the characters in a way that wasn't always available in the past.
"To be able to envision myself in even just a fictional world would've meant the world to me, having the ability to see myself reflected in these stories. And when we do these story times, we can see that happening in that moment because it's an inclusive and safe space," said Rose. "I wish I had something like this growing up, like having the opportunity to see diverse ways of thinking to cute stories, storybooks, cute little characters."
For more information on next month's event, click here.