Tensions high as protesters and drag queen story time supporters battle at Wortley Pride

Tensions flared on the fringes of a Pride festival in London, Ont's Wortley Village Saturday, with a standoff between LGBTQ activists and those opposed to the drag queen story time that was part of the annual event.

A presence of police officers wedged between the two sides prevented violence, although several altercations almost turned physical over the course of the roughly two-hour standoff, which took place on the corner of Wortley Road and Elmwood Avenue.

Security was heightened at the event for several reasons. Social media posts prior to the event claimed there would be roughly 60 individuals attending to protest drag queen story time. CBC News counted no more than 15 protesters at any given time.

At last year's Wortley Pride event, an altercation resulted in a man being charged for possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

This year, organizers say disionformation flyers were circulated before the event, advertising adult entertainment for children in an attempt to discredit the drag queen event planned for Wortley Pride's 2023 edition.

Drag queen story times have been a flashpoint between activists both for and against the events, spurring plenty of debate over whether or not they are appropriate for children.

"It is people dressed up in costumes reading stories to children," said Kathy Bell-Copeland, the founder and president of Wortley Pride. "When you see the children come to drag story time and watch their faces light up as they see someone in bright sparkly gowns reading a story about self-awareness and love and self acceptance — that's what it's all about."

Support has been mixed, although skewed heavily in favour of the event and the drag queen story time portion, said Bell-Copeland.

"We're not going to give the protesters power. We are here for a message of love."

At the same time, those in attendance to protest the drag queen story time portion of the event said their motivations were love and concern for children. 

CBC News tried to speak with multiple protesters who refused to comment. One person who did speak to a reporter was Ryan Clark, who said he was there of his own accord and was not affiliated with the original group of protesters, although he agreed with their stance.

"They're not against gays. They're not homophobes," he said. "We're worried about children. We're worried about what's being taught to kids in school who have young minds that aren't moulded and are susceptible. They shouldn't be thinking about who is having sex with who."

Clark's stance on the inappropriateness of drag queen story time has come from research he's done online, he said.   

"It's certainly not always the case [that drag queens at story time events are dressed non-provocatively]. I've seen lots of things online," said Clark.

Supporters for the drag queen story time far outnumbered protesters on Saturday, with more than 60 pro-LGBTQ activists surrounding the dozen or so protesters.

Local labour unions also made a showing in support of Wortley Pride, alongside musical groups who played drums near the site of the protest. 

Main event undeterred

While police kept things from getting physical, a stone's throw away on the green in Wortley Village, the event and the drag queen story time that was part of it continued without a hitch.

"It went amazing. We had a bunch of people and a lot of rainbow fabric. We formed a circle of protection, a circle of love, and everyone had an amazing time," said Galaxy Rose, VP of Wortley Pride and a drag performer involved with the story time event.

The protesters were barely more than a mosquito buzzing around their ear, according to Rose, who said they were concerned in the lead-up to the event, but once it started, that anxiety "melted away."

"I feel amazing," they said.

While drag queen story time continued, vendors continued to operate their stalls, and festivities went on undisturbed.

Police say their goal during the event was to remain neutral and allow both sides to express themselves.

Officers also confirmed they are investigating anti-gay vandalism on the Wortley Village welcome sign.