An event designed to teach children about inclusion and diversity through literature has drawn the ire of local conservatives. Drag queen Harmonica Sunbeam had organized a Drag Queen Story Hour at the Port Jefferson Local Library in which she aimed to help students learn about love, acceptance, and tolerance by reading to children ages 4-8, making crafts with them, and taking photos. Unfortunately, the not-so-loving/accepting/tolerant right showed up holding signs such as “Honk to Oppose Drag Queen Story Hour,” and “Where Is Bible Story Hour?”

“I don’t think we should push this ideology and statements to a 4-year-old,” said Pastor Julio Carrion, of Port Jefferson. “But if they want to continue the conversation with an adult, I’m here now.”

Said counter protester Roland Hoffman, of Manorville:

“If they don’t want their children to be read to by a character—not even a transgender woman—by a drag queen which is a character, like Spiderman, then go away.”

via News 12, Long Island:

Employees at the library say they expected some backlash when they booked the event. They say some people who are against the event have been calling more than two weeks.

Despite the protests outside the library, children who took part in the event seemed to enjoy it.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” said 8-year-old, Rachel Robedeed.

Library officials say they considered the first event a success and plan on having more of the Drag Queen Story Hour in the future.

(via LongIslandChannel12)