These Umbrella-Twirling Drag Defenders Are Protecting Libraries from Bigots

DON’T RAIN ON THE PARADE

Drag story hours have become a target for the far right, but a coalition of volunteers is standing between extremists and the library.

Published Jun. 25 2023 10:47AM EDT

An illustration of a drag queen holding up a rainbow-colored umbrella protecting library books for drag queen story hour. — Illustration by Luis G. Rendon/The Daily Beast

On a Tuesday afternoon, police encircled the Elmhurst, Queens public library in two layers of crowd-control barricades. Next to arrive were the volunteers, carrying rainbow umbrellas and brightly colored posters.

Kelly Weill

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

These Umbrella-Twirling Drag Defenders Are Protecting Libraries from Bigots

Drag story hours have become a target for the far right, but a coalition of volunteers is standing between extremists and the library.

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article.

Monthly Plan

$1 Trial

Yearly Plan

$35 Year One

Ad Free Plan

$100 per year

Kelly Weill