Huntington Woods, a suburban bedroom community, comprised of less than two square miles and about 6,200 residents, is regarded as progressive.
But its pioneering library series --- Drag Queen Storytime, a children's story hour hosted by drag performers -- is under attack, according to Detroit Free Press coverage by Matthew Dolan:
In recent months, some local residents and national anti-gay groups have voiced opposition to the Huntington Woods Library's Drag Queen Story Time event, as well as similar efforts around the country, calling them a threat to small, impressionable children.
Allison Iversen, a Huntington Woods city commissioner for the last three years, said Sunday she opposes the program and plans to bring up the issue at the commission's meeting Tuesday.
"It may be cheapening the sensitive nature of this issue by trying to push this idea that this is something is completely natural," said Iversen, a mother of four who is resigning her seat this year in order to move to Lake Orion. Children "are very naive and gullible at this age ... it seems like the wrong way to teach this kind of acceptance," she said.
The library, on Facebook describes the program, which began in late 2017, this way:
Drag Queen Storytime is just what it sounds like—drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DQS captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.
The opposition upsets some residents. Bryan Fenster of Huntington Woods, the father of two young children, posts late Sunday on Facebook:
So, you want to stop a program that champions acceptance, literacy, imagination, community and safe spaces, and impose your ignorance and hate? You want to violate human rights, silence and further marginalize ... in OUR city. No way.
You can make your voice heard and support this incredible program and its people. I’ll see you at the city commission meeting this coming Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m.
