BOMB THREATS INTERRUPT DRAG EVENTS ACROSS US

Jason Parsley

At least six drag-related events were interrupted or canceled over the past couple of weeks with threats of violence, including a church in Ohio vandalized by Molotov cocktails.

The church in Chesterland, Ohio suffered minimal damage and a week later organizers held the planned Drag Show Story Hour, according to 19 News. A 20-year-old man was arrested for the incident.

Meanwhile a restaurant in the same area also received threats after they announced a drag show brunch. According to 19 News, the Chardon, Ohio eatery faced three week’s worth of threats leading up to the event.

Several dozen protesters showed up at the brunch shouting bible verses. Counter protesters also showed up in support.

“I am loving that there’s probably 10 times more people over here than over there, it’s fantastic,” one counter protester said. Another: “We’re all about love, we have no agenda more than love one another, be who you are, don’t be afraid to be out there in the world, that’s all we want.”

In Louisville, Kentucky a Drag Show Story Hour was interrupted after a bomb threat, but the show went on, according to USA Today.

“My name is Diana Rae, and this is Drag Queen Story Time,” USA Today reported her saying. “I want to read you guys a book called ‘My Awesome Brother.’”

The picture book tells the story of a child whose older sister is transitioning.

After reading, according to USA Today, the drag performer asked everyone to look at a stranger and repeat these affirmations: “You are loved. You are special … When you are feeling down, and you feel like you’re not going to make it, remember today that I believe in you. And you have to keep going.”

She finished up lip-synching a Lizzo song called “Special.” Rae’s home also received a bomb threat.

In the Eastern Kentucky city of Prestonsburg an all ages drag show was canceled after facing threats online.

“We felt like the level of risk was too great to follow through with the event,” an organizer told the Lexington Herald-Leader. Proceeds from the event were to be used for genderaffirming clothing and a resource bank.

In Indianapolis, Indiana a bookstore was temporarily closed following a bomb threat against its monthly Drag Story Hour event, according to Indy Star.

In Solana, California a drag show at a local entertainment venue was canceled after organizers came across a YouTube video claiming something had been planted at the venue. Proceeds were to be used for their local free PrideFest.

“We just decided in an abundance of caution that, regardless of what the SWAT team would find there, it was not the right night to do this ... the day after the Nashville shooting,” an organizer told KPBS.