After our Drag Queen Storytime was targeted by white supremacists this week, we received an outpouring of support and kindness from our community. We also received some negative comments via phone messages, email, social media, and in response to the news reporting of the incidents. We took the time to answer your questions and reply to your comments. We’re including some book recommendations because we are booksellers and Just. Can’t. Help. Ourselves.
Why Drag Queen Storytime in the first place?
We are a community bookstore that responds to the needs of the community. So we’ve tried out a variety of themes:
Fire & Brimstone Storytime: a man dressed as a preacher read stories about how children are born sinners and if they don’t act right they will be cast into a pit of fire for all of eternity, ruled by a demon with a pitchfork. If you have any feelings of creativity or self expression that might be different than those of your parents or than you see other children expressing, just bury those feelings way, deep down so you don’t burn up in the afterlife. So… that didn’t turn out well. Children burst into tears and we received strongly worded letters from parents about how their kids were having nightmares.
Baby Seals Club Storytime: to call attention to the plight of baby seals. Admittedly, the piñatas might have been a little over the top. This event resulted in MORE tears from children and strongly worded letters from mama seals from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
So that’s when we tried Drag Queen Storytime and to everyone’s surprise, it turns out that children actually respond well to rainbows, glitter, dressing up in costumes, and stories about love, kindness, unity, and acceptance. I mean, who knew? So we did some more of them.
Book Recommendation: Just Add Glitter by Angela Di’Terlizzi
Has there been any negative response from your previous Drag Queen Storytimes?
Nope. Nada. Zilch. We host these events quarterly. This event was probably our 5th or 6th one, including the one that was featured on the Opposition Show (be sure and watch this clip as it may answer some of your questions in case we don’t hit on some of them here). The only thing that has sparked outrage about Drag Queen Storytime was the one in which we were vandalized by a member of a white supremacist group. Being targeted by nazis somehow sparks anger against drag queens and bookstores.
I’ll channel Jeff Foxworthy here for those of you old enough to remember his schtick: If you defend the actions of white supremacists, if you side with white supremacists, if you take the opportunity to attack a business that has been attacked by white supremacists, then you might be a …. (we’ll let you fill in the blank)
Book Recommendation: How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance by Akiba Solomon, Kenrya Rankin
Did BookBar or some antifa group stage this themselves?
Yes. Totally. In fact, we hired Jessie Smollet himself to place the stickers on our door (because we soooo enjoy that sound of scraping stickers off glass with a razor blade) and hired an actor to spray paint our window because the sound we enjoy almost as much as scraping stickers off of glass is the sound of scraping spray paint off of glass. The actor agreed to get arrested, booked, spend a night in jail, use his own money to post bond, have a criminal record and probably be charged with a hate crime. As an independent bookstore we couldn’t think of anything better to do with all that money we make from book sales. Oh, and the police department agreed to play along because they have nothing better to do and have tons of resources for such shenanigans. Fun was had by all.
Book Recommendation: Fascism: A Warning by Madeleine Albright
Why are you using innocent children to force an agenda?
Because grown-ups already have fully formed opinions. We recognize that we really have to start when children are young in order to indoctrinate them to a message of unconditional love and acceptance of everyone everywhere. Grown-ups have already decided whether or not they are going to be meanies and poopoo heads (as evidenced by some of the comments we’ve received). We like to teach children how to be nice to others (aka not meanies and poopoo heads). We also like to teach children to read at a young age so they grow up to be readers as adults with empathy and understanding of others. Also, you have probably noticed the significant uptick in little boys walking around Denver in dresses, I’m guessing? Oh, wait, you haven’t? Hmmm.
Book Recommendation: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de al Peña
Aren’t you promoting sex to young children?
hmmmm…. define ‘young.’ We wait until they are at least 18 months old before we require them to choose a specific gender or sexual preference. I mean, think about it, they can’t even begin to try to sign their names to a contract without their parents’ help until then. Their little hands just aren’t dexterous enough.
Book Recommendation: It’s Okay the be Different by Todd Parr
I don’t want my tax dollars going to this library
Library does not equal bookstore. They are not the same thing. We sell books and are most certainly not government funded.
Book Recommendation: The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders by Stuart Kells
Aren’t Drag Queens pedophiles?
See above. Drag Queens don’t = pedophiles anymore than bookstores = libraries. Or dogs = cats. Or ice cream = hamburger. Get it? Got it? Good.
Book Recommendation: Guru by RuPaul
I’m confused by the pronouns used in the news articles to reference the Drag Queen
Shirley Delta Blow is a man (he) who dresses like a woman and plays a character (she). The reporters for 9News and The Denver Post asked Miss Shirley ‘her’ pronoun preference (as any decent, respectful human does) and went with his/her choice. Simple, right? You would think, but, to complicate matters Miss Shirley at first asked to be referred to as an alicorn, which is a cross between pegasus and a unicorn. Some believe that they have extra magical powers – even more magical than pegasuses and unicorns alone. There is fierce debate on the subject. Some even insist that alicorns do not exist – they are staunchly either pro-unicorn or pro-pegasus, never-alicorners. We figured we would start with trying to get people over losing their minds about a man wearing a dress before we broach the whole alicorn debate.
If you are still confused, just watch an episode of Baskets with Louie Anderson. Just don’t get hung up on the whole clown sub-plot because I don’t know that we’ll have time to cover that here.
Book Recommendation: It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn
This is child abuse
No. This is child abuse:
Book Recommendation: The Line Becomes a River by Fransisco Cantú
We do not want this shoved down our throats
We hear you. K. How about this. The next time we host a Drag Queen Storytime we will not round everyone up and forceably shove them into the store against their will and make them listen to children’s stories. We are all for compromise and will happily make that concession.
Book Recommendation: On Democracy by E.B. White
People also enjoy watching dog fights and cock fights but those are not o.k. either
Correct. Dog fights and cock fights are not o.k. Also, next up: Drag Queen Cage Match Storytime! Thank you for this suggestion.
Book Recommendation: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Praise God. Jesus!
O.k.
Book Recommendation: Why Religion?: A personal Story by Elaine Pagels
Why not have other members of the community do storytime, like veterans or firefighters?
We do that too. Authors and educators are often guest storytellers. We’ve invited the police in to do storytime but most of their time is allocated to staging anti-white supremacist stunts (see above), firefighters have to leave at a moment’s notice to fight fires (and if you’ve ever parked on Tennyson Street, you’ll know there is barely room for a Toyoto Yaris, much less a firetruck). Also, fun fact! Drag Queens are actually real people (again, not to be confused with alicorns) so they are teachers, veterans, firefighters, police, dentists, marriage counselors, doctors, chefs, lawyers, used car salesmen, architects, cashiers, artists, authors, zookeepers, electrical engineers, policitians, but primarily – entertainers.
Book Recommendation: Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
This is the devil’s work
Funny story about that. When the devil first brought in his resume we were dubious but, being an equal opportunity employer, we figured we’d give him a chance. Turns out, he has some really great event ideas and is surprisingly very well read. He’s also super good at doing dishes and, less surprisingly, can start up the firepit without needing a lighter, which is handy on a busy night. We’re working through some tardy issues but he is pretty efficient and a quick learner.
Book Recommendation: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
We think that what you are doing is disgusting
Cool. Cool. We live in a democracy and you have a voice. You used it. Good for you. Now, can we interest you in an enjoyable beach read?
Book Recommendation: Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuistan
Love your article!
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Amazing, amazing, amazing! So proud of you Bookbars! Stand up against hatred and ignorance!
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From Mississippi and a local bookstore recently hosted a Pride event. Needless to say the anti-Love wing of the local Churches were protesting, calling for the Good Lord to smote someone and generally doing God’s work by condemning the heathens.
You keep up the good work as we will here.
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Please open a branch in Connecticut. I will buy books from you every day and “religiously” attend drag queen story times. Well played. You guys are the best.
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Bookbar, I love the way you do business!!! Love, Holly
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I love these responses. Love. Them.
I also love that you are encouraging reading and empathy with your Drag Queen Storytime!
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This made my day! Thank you!
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This is a great way to end Pride Month. I’m sad it’s July already.
All my respect and love to you guys!
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Fucking excellent! We need more of this in the world! Good on you guys!
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So if I complain about Drag Queen Storytime can you recommend a great hard science fiction, space opera?
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We love The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers!
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Amazing taste in SF *and* making the world a better place. Huzzah, BookBar.
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This is the best book! I’m almost done with A Closed and Common Orbit and I’m really enjoying it as well.
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Bravo!! Your retort was delivered so proficiently and professionally!!!
#killmwithkindness
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This is awesome! You’ve made me smile and made my day.
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Sounds like this could be a children’s book. Ever consider writing your own?
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Love your response! I will definitely make your store a. destination when I am on that side of town.
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When do we adults get a drag queen storytime? I would really like that, especially if you also served cocktails. Also, thank you for doing this and making the world a better place. You guys are the best. Keep it up and don’t let the bigots get you down.
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FABULOUS response. And I mean that in most fabulous way possible.
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This is making my entire day. Sending love from the ACLU of Kansas. Thanks for being 1. Awesome and 2. Cheeky about it.
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Phenomenal response to people who have closed minds. I love your article and your positive attitude! Don’t live in Denver but have family that does. I’ll steer them your way.
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Reblogged this on Brave & Reckless and commented:
Probably one of my favorites reads this year. My apologies if you are a hater of Drag Queen Story Hour (no, not really. . .)
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Oh, how I love this. Thank you Lish McBride for sharing on Facebook.
The book recommendations and the ‘alicorn’ seriously made my day.
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Okay, the baby seal piñatas may have been a little over the top (winces), but otherwise this was the best response to bigotry I have EVER seen, and the fact that you included book recommendations for each comment pushed it beyond perfection.
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This is amazing. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on cabbagesandkings524 and commented:
At Book Bar, it turns out that drag queens can tell children’s stories without molesting a single child. Who knew? Anyway, levity aside – well no, levity is definitely in the mix in this great read.
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Everything about this is awesome.
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Truly a model for how we should respond to hateful rhetoric. Very well done!
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This is awesome! And a big YES to adult drag queen story time!
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Utterly incredible response (figuratively and literally) – thanks!
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Kudos. Well done!
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Damn it. Now I want to move to Denver. I’m sorry these things were done in response to your event. Thank you for your wonderful, humorous, smart response. You are a light in the world when it seems dark.
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Fabulous
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Love you, Book Bar! I’ll be in soon to buy a book and drink a toast to you and Miss Shirley Delta Blow 🙂
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God bless you God bless books God bless drag queens God bless us every one
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Bravo to the Book Bar! This is the best response accompanied by excellent recommendations. As a Denver native AND a Children’s Book creator I applaud you.
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Wish I could send you a giant pile of money to stage a disco ball glitter-o-rama danceathon in the town square, with free books and vaccinations for everyone.
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Intelligence and wit, Outstanding!
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Hmmm…now that I’ve retired from teaching, I have time to spend doing more useful things…like, bugging my local bookstores to do something like this. I think there’s a place in RI that is doing this. Anyway, if I can’t get them to do it, please, PLEASE open a store in southeast CT and I will gladly come and work with you!!!
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Perfect response! Thank you!
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Excellent response with brilliant satire! I love your bookstore. My daughter lives in Denver and I bought an armload last time I was there. Will be back soon!
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I loved this! Thank you.
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Sending love from Westminster, CO. Tennyson used to be our ‘hood, and we’re so glad you’re there! Thanks for a thoughtful and hilarious response to misguided questions.
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I grew up in England where Pantomime was a Christmastime thrill. It is the epitome of cross dressing – a Principal Boy who is a woman and a Dame who is a man are compulsory characters. Children throng to the performances and a great time is had by all. Don’t know how I’ve lived with the total confusion it forced upon my impressionable mind. The horrors.
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Magnificent! Happy Pride!
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I’m for it! Next would be “Faux Queen” story time. That’s a woman doing a drag impression (oh look it up on Wikipedia). Then a story told by a trans-woman, but dressed as a man. Is ze actually cross-dressed? Discuss. Then a presurgical transwoman dressed as a man, telling a story about how ze is still gynophilic. Sort of a lesbian trapped in a man’s body. Discuss how gynophilic transwomen were often excluded by lesbian ciswoman traditional feminists, who felt uncomfortable with them. All can wear dresses. All can read books about the badness of cultural appropriation.
I’m for all this—no irony. The sooner education begins, the less likely a real life Crying Game fiasco. Where’s Waldo? Where’s the penis? You never know.
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This is absolutely the best response EVER! I love you! I love Shirley too.
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Lordy, this is fabulous. You guys have our business for ever and ever.
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It’s “Jussie Smollett”.
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I cannot believe this! How did I not know this place was in Denver (when I’m moving in a month!!!!). Guess I’ll just have to come in before I move and buy a book I have no room for. I’m assuming there are knitting books to be found – you know, for all the yarn I keep collecting as well. Thank you for providing a safe haven for those who care about things like love, respect, acceptance…
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I loved your response to all the people who need to find something else to do with their time. (Hey, I’m a conservative who believes everyone has the right to live their life as they want as long as it doesn’t impinge on my freedoms.) When I lived in FL I had several Drag Queens who were my friends. (Gasp! Horror! I just destroyed the carefully crafted left wing depiction of a conservative.) They were a ton of fun and loved hanging with them. What was funny was that my gay guys and the lovely queens were the ones who took me shopping for elegant clothes. If you want to have fun as a girl, go shopping with a group consisting of 2 queens and male couple. I hung out with them because they were fun and did things no of the other people I knew would do.
As to your reading list…spot on. I’m getting the Neil Gaiman bool and should probably read Rupaul’s book since I met the lovely Miss Shirley at the club after a show thanks to my friends who worked there. I’ve read several of your recommended books. Stuart Kell’s book on the library…Catalog of Wonders was good. Of course I spent most of my time growing up at the library. I read at last 1/3 of the books in the young person’s room before graduating to the main library.
Keep up the good work. Too back there couldn’t be a payback where they would have to scrape off glitter paint, rainbow stickers and happy faces and unicorns off their places of business
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[…] is a repost from BookBar in Denver, Colorado after they were vandalized by white supremacists who didn’t like that […]
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my kids very much enjoy having someone read to them, especially when the reader is dressed to the nines. keep up the good work!
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