Drag Story Time at Okanagan Regional Library Kelowna branch.
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January 24, 2023 - 6:00 AM
A peaceful anti-hate rally is being held at the Kelowna downtown library in support of Drag Story Time this coming weekend and everyone is invited to join in.
The motion is in response to a controversy that sparked among some members of the public when the library brought drag artist Tyson Cook, who goes by Freida Whales when in costume, to read to kids and encourage literacy.
“I get all the feedback, the phone messages and emails,” said Kelowna Okanagan Regional Library communications director Michal Utko. “It is around the fifty per cent mark between supporters of these programs who send heartfelt messages and individuals who send messages representing a rhetoric of misinformation.”
Rally participants are encouraged to bring love, flags and placards to the outdoor gathering, and adhere to some rules. They are not to engage with any protesters and keep a safe distance from them. Streets, driveways and building accesses are not to be blocked.
“Our board is working closely with the city to ensure bylaws are followed and talking to RCMP to ensure safety for everyone involved,” Utko said. “We can’t tell protesters what to do but we ask that all people are peaceful and respectful.”
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Drag Story Time events have been held in other Okanagan communities where Okanagan Regional Library has branches but have not triggered the level of opposition that has been shown in Kelowna, said Okanagan Regional Library CEO Danielle Hubbard in a previous interview with iNFOnews.ca.
"In spite of a rising tide of hate-filled comments on social media that completely mischaracterize the 2SLGBTQIA+ as some type of criminals, it is heartwarming to see growing solidarity from allies who are denouncing the hate," said one rally organizer and founder of Advocacy Canada Wilbur Turner.
Cook, or Freida Whales, said he receives far more positive feedback than negative.
“I've have messages from families and communities all over and I'm sure lots of pride organizations in the valley will join to support to spread a message of love and acceptance for everyone in the community,” Cook said.
The Open Hearts Rally for Drag Story Time is being held at the Okanagan Regional Library Kelowna branch at 1380 Ellis Street on Saturday from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
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