Bookmans’ Drag Story Hour Event Postponed
I am heartbroken to announce that Bookmans has been forced to postpone and relocate our March 25th Drag Story Hour event from our Northwest location at Ina and Thornydale. Our intention was to host a children’s literacy event in a way that is inclusive of our entire community. I truly believed this was still possible in Tucson without the risk of violence, but the events of the last week have forced me to acknowledge that, at least for now, this is not the case.
Bookmans and Drag Story Hour-Az have held many well-attended performances over the years without incident. However, as many of you are aware, an organized harassment campaign spearheaded by The Bridge Church and adopted by the local Proud Boys chapter has been launched targeting this event. There has been an alarming surge of calls on social media platforms to encourage attending and disrupting the event in large groups. This would overwhelm our ability to ensure the safety of attendees, staff, and other businesses in our shopping center.
Combined with the recent FBI-involved bomb threat at another Drag Story Hour event in Tempe on February 19, 2023, this very real risk of violence could not be ignored. As a result, we have opted to postpone and relocate the event in order to address these security concerns. The goal is to return the event to its appropriate context as a celebration designed to foster a love of literacy in children.
It’s tragic that we are living in a moment where we are forced to postpone a popular children’s reading event due to irrationality and threats of violence. We all have to ask ourselves what can and should we do to stop this trajectory of violence and hate. Bookmans will continue to do all we can while prioritizing the safety of our community above all else.
We are enormously grateful for the outpouring of positive support that the Tucson community has shown to us and to Drag Story Hour-Az at this time and in times past. We appreciate everyone who took the time to extend support in person at our stores and with emails and phone calls. The volume of positive support we have received from the Tucson community in the last few days has been truly overwhelming.
The decision to make any changes to this event was an extremely hard one for Bookmans. I am in disbelief that I am being forced to postpone and relocate, and I want to be absolutely clear as to the reason. Threats, protests, and bullying were not factors in making the call to move the event. We fully support and will continue to support Drag Story Hour-Az. The choice to relocate and postpone this Drag Story Hour event was based solely on ensuring the safety of the attendees, performers, and all members of our community.
Thank you for your continued support of Bookmans and your patience as we navigate this situation.
Sean Feeney,
President, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
To read Bookmans’ press release regarding the postponement of the Drag Story Hour event at our Northwest location, please click here.
82 Comments
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I support Bookmans 💯! I’m sorry the event was cancelled due to threats from a truly extreme church in our c9m community. Thanks for all you do.
Amy
There was no threats from people at the church. The only people who made threats were the “tolerant” people supporting this event. Which by the way, recorded conversations and phone numbers from such people were turned over to the police. Funny how Bookman’s has no such recorded conversations or phone numbers of such “threats” having taken place, but the church does.
Now why would that be??
Statistically speaking, churches and the creeps they harbor have done more damage to children than drag queen story hours. Shame on you.
What a lie. The extremist bigots partnered with The Proud Boys and threatened staff. Isn’t lying meant to be a sin?
So you now make up more fiction than the books you can’t read. Tell us any police recordings and calls that you say were made. We can all see the “Christian” posts that threatened people. You’re burning in Hell baby.
Citations or GTFO.
You did read Sean’s Post, yes? He did not cancel because of the Church protests, he cancelled because of the history of violence associated with radical Religious groups coupled wit Proud Boys. The Bridge Church now looks like a Religious Militant group capable of terrorism. This is not CHRISTIAN behavior.
You can conflate concern for children and opposition to sexual degeneracy as “threats” but we dont care. We dont want you here. Keep your disgusting behavior at home where it belongs.
“concern for children” = desire to control the information young people receive
“opposition to sexual degeneracy” = imposition of your flawed beliefs on individuals living their lives
Your claim = bullshit.
I am sorry that people are so closed minded. Here is the thing the most forget, kids have innocent minds and more than likely see women who wear a lot of makeup not men in dresses. The important thing is that someone was reading to the kids. That is all. Stop putting your prejudices on the kids,
I was so excited to see this event happening, and was hoping to attend with my grandkids. I hope all the youth of Tucson has access to the many forms of self-expression found in our community.
Thank you, Bookmans, for hosting this event. I sincerely hope that you can reschedule: For folks for whom this isn’t their cup of tea, I would hope they could exercise free will and not attend.
Why don’t you do a traditional children’s story hour? How hard can it possibly be to find someone interesting to read to kids. Children should not be subjected to drag queens. When they are adults, they have the capacity to make those type of decisions for themselves.
So ignorant. There are plenty of opportunities for children to be read to that dont involve drag. Go to those. No one is being “subjected” to anything. Those who want to share the beauty of self expression to their children may do so. I will never recover from the sexual trauma that I incurred from being subjected to christian teaching my entire childhood. Completely obsessed with sex fiends talking about it to children every week. Ridiculous. They couldnt even get through a children’s book without talking about something sexual like “saving yourself” or “your body is a temple” or “submit to your husbands”.
Stay away from children!
Holy crap, we must have grown up in the same “faith!”
💯 percent agree! I don’t see drag Queen story hour as inclusive. When my kids were little it would have scared them to see that! It’s just inappropriate and not the right venue.
We think that a bookstore is the appropriate place to host a children’s storybook event.
Parents are capable of deciding whether people in costume reading to them and their kids is something they’re ok with or not. There was no threat to children here except the threat created by the fascists opposing the event.
“Parents are capable of deciding whether people in costume reading to them and their kids is something they’re ok with or not. ” Say that again and louder.
Well put, Ste.
Go to the library then. And make decisions for your child you agree with and leave the rest of us alone to “dangerously” expose our kids to artistic people who understand what tolerance is.
Thank you, Ann. I was looking forward to shopping at Bookmans again. Haven’t been there in years. But…if they are doing this type of S**T to children I’ll find a better store to go to. Very glad I found out about this crap they are doing to children before I drove 165 miles to get there.
I like that. It would be awesome for someone with character to read and do the voices just get into it for the kids. I’m not for having to explain to my son why a grown man has to dress as a women just yet. He is to impressionable.
Thank goodness these organizations stepped up to stop this ridiculous event. Your comment about fear of violence is only in this statement to try to garner sympathy. What is the purpose of exposing children to Drag Queens? These men who are Drag Queens have more than likely had sexual abuse in their history & preverted their idea of who they are & what a man is supposed to be. Your statement calls this a “children’s literacy event” as a way of justifying your attempt to groom the children. How is that “inclusive” when you are alienating 99.9% of the community who do not believe this is an event for children? Would you take your child to a strip joint, a massage parlor, a drug house or a bar? How about going to a prison, bringing out a child molester & bring them into your home to babysit your child? There are absolutely NO EXCUSES for what you & people like you are doing! Let children be children & when the time is appropriate for THEIR PARENTS to teach them of the sad events such as these, it will be their guidance not yours! Please know that any future event will also be protested by the community.
You’re right, this should be an adult literary event. I don’t know what “preverted” is and I’m certain that 99% isn’t an accurate guess. Time to get literate!
Go OFF Karen. There’s a reason people like you have no friends.
Hey klhenkel, I hope you will take the time to read this. I’m sorry you feel so upset by this event. You say it is up to individual parents to decide what is appropriate for their children to know~ by that logic it should not be your concern if some parents decide attending a story time like this one would be nice. You certainly don’t have to teach your kids about the diversity of humans that live in Tucson or the world, but others may want to. It is up to us to decide how to orient ourselves in this world, what experiences we seek & which we avoid, but this does not erase the very real people who are important & valued members of their communities. It’s important to know that regardless of whether or not children meet gay or trans people when they’re kids, many of them will grow up to be gay or trans. Some people simply want their children to grow up to be loving & accepting people, a desire I think anyone can understand. Take care
You had the only beautiful comment ❤️
Drag is just dressing up in costume for entertainment. You don’t even understand what you’re mad about. And parents were CHOOSING to take their kids to the event. You bigots took that right away from the parents because of your own christofascist bs.
I can guarantee I would never take my child to a church based on their history of child abuse and sexual abuse. This event though? Yes.
You’ve obviously never been to a drag story hour if you think it is anything similar to the other things you’ve mentioned.
It is inclusive – everyone is welcome and allowed to go. You get to make that choice if you want to attend or if you want your children to attend.
As such, I should get to make that same decision for myself and my children.
But you’d rather force your opinions on everyone.
There are no excuses for you to demand that everyone cater to your beliefs.
“These men who are Drag Queens have more than likely had sexual abuse in their history & preverted their idea of who they are & what a man is supposed to be” and this is not a thing among your flock? No one has found or re-found The Lord after committing unspeakable acts?
Statistically, the most dangerous men that wear dresses are Catholic priests.
Also, pedophiles prefer to hide in plain sight, they don’t draw attention to themselves. Is there anything about a drag queen’s appearance that says “hiding in plain sight”?
A drag queen reading a kid’s book is a performance for kids. When a drag queen is in a room, all eyes are on them, so there really is no danger to the kids. It’s not like they are alone in a room with your children like say ummmm… a catholic priest! Anyway, I highly recommend going to a drag show kid’s book reading before judging, you might learn something about kindness and compassion.
Thank you for listening to our concerns about the Drag Queen story hour. We appreciate you for postponing this and giving it a second thought concerning what this will do to our children.. I will return buying books at your store
I mean, they’re still VERY MUCH pro drag and tolerance. They believe in honoring pronouns and welcoming all to access to books and learning. If that idea keeps you from spending your money there, I think you should hold onto it. Bookmans still very much believes in the importance of this and frankly doesn’t need your business
They’re postponing it – meaning they’re still having the event. If you don’t want your kids to go – then don’t take them. See how easy that is? You get to choose what’s right for your kids / your family – while other parents get to do the same thing when they choose to go. Land of the free anyone?
Indeed, there is an unaddressed ignorance of our constitution in this. Postponing was a good idea based in the violent associations Radical Religious folk and the Proud Boys have. Protecting the children against this is good. When the Story Hour is re set. I will attend and I will protect my fellow Americans right to pursue happiness and liberty.
Something tells me you could do with a few more books
https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/how-reading-fiction-increases-empathy-and-encourages-understanding
Please try reading the Bible once in your life since you never had. Maybe you just can’t read? You’ll be returning unused products.
“Love wins” well apparently not. Hate won. Congratulations you bent. You’re postponing the event due to outside homophobic hatred. This is actually pathetic.
It was love that motivated people to protest this even. Love for the innocent children.
Right you have to save that child’s innocence for their priest or pastor to defile.
Steve,
“It was love that motivated people to protest this even. Love for the innocent children.”
Love? Love motivated the people to protest a pro-literacy event???? It certainly goes against what Jesus professed as LOVE. Jesus NEVER spoke against homosexuality let alone dressing in drag. Sounds like you need to return to reading and learning to improve your grasp on what “love” is.
According to Steve, love involves shooting gay people. I wish you knew how brainwashed you are.
You people seem to always “love” children a little too much. Worry about what goes on in your own spaces
Hate didn’t win. They simply postponed it so they can find a more suitable place. What’s better – waiting to find a better location – or having it at the store and not being able to protect folks? It’s incredibly frustrating but it is what it is. Hopefully they will have it somewhere kids can go enjoy the event without fear of violence. It’ll take a little longer but it’ll be a bigger win. Pushing through and someone getting hurt would be a loss for eveyone.
What child knows what a drag queen is? It’s the parents that want to see this, not the children! and what the heck is Miss Lil HOT MESS is going to teach my child?! NO thank you
So don’t come? Problem solved.
Tolerance. That’s what she’ll teach you.
I would like to work at your inclusive tolerant store. How many tattoos, body piercings and deviate lifestyles do I have to embrace to be considered?
As many as you want, Ima. We don’t discriminate against employees with tattoos or body piercings.
Sorry but “Ima Flamer” is a hilarious drag name and you should really consider this career path. You’ve got the chops
I am disheartened by this news. I certainly understand and appreciate your decision, and how difficult it must have been to arrive at, but I also can’t help but feel that this will be perceived as a victory by the enemies of equality and justice. Principles only mean something if you stand up for them when it’s inconvenient, and I don’t think we can afford to risk any less than the civil rights heroes who preceded us in Selma and countless other symbols of resistance to oppression and tyranny.
Beautifully said! I agree with your astute words!!
Drag queens are not synonymous with strippers, prostitutes, bartenders or criminals. This is purposeful ignorance and it’s very very silly. The style of entertainment makes some people uncomfortable, but many others get it. These people who are protesting are trying to parent other people’s children- why aren’t they worried about the terrible schools or their diets or if families have enough money? This is how you know they don’t actually care about children, they are simply afraid of drag queens.
Thank goodness! This event is silly! I agree with another poster why can’t it be a traditional literacy event? Seriously Bookman’s can’t you just promote literacy without involving adult issues?!
Learning how to be a good human isn’t restricted to adults.
Jesus help us if children are allowed to be or appreciate silliness. Drag Queens entertain. They are fun. They are funny. Priests, ministers and such are the real groomers, teaching fear and secrecy. Guns are everywhere. So is violence, cursing (want a tour of all the homes with a “F— Biden” banner in front because I know many in Tucson), litter, trash, abuse, poverty, malnutrition and ignorance. Outlawing clothing choices is ridiculous. Totally insane. I hope the church women don’t wear pants nor the men wear wigs (toupees). Crazy times. Jesus wore a flowing gown.
You’re right! It’s silly! That’s what it’s meant to be! Silly fun to teach literacy. If you don’t like it, read to your kids on your own. What even is a “traditional” literacy event?
Heartbroken at the lack of understanding. Postponing is probably the right step.
The people protesting either don’t have kids or should not be having children since they are only perpetuating intolerance. So, so sad.
Agree, thanks Tina
Heartbroken at the lack of understanding. Postponing is probably the right step.
The people protesting either don’t have kids or should not be having children since they are only perpetuating intolerance. So, so sad.
I hate when hate wins.
I’m so disappointed that Bookman’s let hate win this. Holding events like this shows solidarity with an LGBTQAI community that is under viscous attack from religious fanatics who are trying to erase our existence. Canceling this event shows solidarity with those queer and transphobic bigots in our communities and gives them a voice an power. If they are threatening violence call the police and have the police present at the event. Have the people threatening violence arrested. Ask LGBATAI allies to come and form a protective wall around the kids and queens to protect them. If threats of chaos and violence was allowed to stop civil rights movements none would have ever succeeded. Put this back on the schedule and don’t give into their intimidation. Do you see how they are thanking you? Do you see how they think you’re on their side now? Is that the side you want to be on?
Drag queens need to stay in bars with an adult aduidence.!!! No one has a problem with adults doing adults things. But children do not need to be involved in adult activities. There is a reason they card you at the door of a bar. Cuz it’s not a place for kids! Stop being a bunch of morons and start acting like adults and protecting our children from things they have no business being around.
Drag shows are not burlesque you weirdos there is nothing inherently adult about it.
Why do you think drag is an adult activity? Have you never heard of panto?
I am glad that this event has been so exposed as I now know to no longer support this business and will let others know what goes on.
The event was always public and nothing was exposed.
Bah! This is frustrating and disappointing but totally understandable. The safety of the community has to come first before anything else. I don’t even have a kid but I was planning on coming just to show support. I hope that y’all will have more events like this in the future. Seeing continued support for the LGBTQ* community in Tucson is a real beacon of light in an otherwise dark world.
As far as folks who had an issue with this event.
Drag is not inherently sexual. Stop sexualizing everything. It’s literally dress up for adults.
If you didn’t want your kids around it – then don’t bring them. What other people choose to do with their kids – is their business. People being able to make these sorts of choices for themselves and their families is what makes us American.
“Your mythology ends where my body begins. “
So sad that a literacy event for children had to be cancelled due to hate and threats of violence from a “church”. I hope this event will be held in the future and that you will continue to be a voice of literacy in Arizona.
To all you proud Americans who are so offended by drag queens just remember this country was founded by guys in powered wigs, velvet shorts, stockings and high heeled shoes. This country was founded by drag!
Oh, umm, Proud Boys?
🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻
I know. What an ironic name, right?
In the land of the free everyone should have the right to live their lives the way they want — but Republicans aren’t going to protect our right to have drag story hour. And they’re going to keep on winning public office with less than 50% of the vote through the two-party duopoly, gerrymandering, and voter suppression.
Please join me in fighting back against this bullshit by bringing Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) to Arizona. It’s the way to win the long game.https://VoterChoiceAZ.org
Well guess what “The Bridge Church”, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression are protected in Pima County which you are a part of, even if located outside Tucson city limits. I will be contacting the county about this because churches should NEVER have this kind of power. They are places of worship that offer community services from the money collected during mass. Your church does NOT dictate my life as a queer person. Your church is infringing on our first amendment right to free speech and our right to liberty and freedom to exist as LGBTQ+ inidivudals. It is UNLAWFUL and it WILL NOT stand. Bookmans has my full support 100% and I hope there will be another story hour soon where we don’t have to be afraid of simply existing in the world.
“Freedom of religion is not an unlimited right and can be restricted to the extent that its practitioners constitute a threat to the public order and to the rights of others.”
How can I help you?
All @ Bookman’s. Thank you for holding this event. I am so sorry it was threatened and that you had to postpone it. I love Tucson and I want it to remain an inclusive, loving community. This church is trying to make it the opposite.
I’m so sorry that you had to reschedule this. It’s unfortunate these people pick and choose what to get upset about, it’s very hateful. I fully support this event and helping with children’s literacy. Thank you for being there for the community when others only seem to want to spread hate.
“Pick and choose what people get mad at”?! Hilarious. We have values and principles, what do YOU cling to? The talking box telling you what to think and feel?
A bit late with this breaking news!
My critical thinking brain goes right to a question? Why, if it is child literacy that you are promoting, are you not having children that are excelling at literacy read to other children?
Small children adore their siblings and other children as role models.
Creating role models and literate children all in the same hour! WOW!
LJ, that is an interesting concept and there are literacy programs such as “Paws to Read” that encourage little readers to read to animals to give them an audience that is less intimidating than humans to read to. It helps them build their reading skills and is overall a wonderful way to encourage the love of reading. Bookmans actually held an event like this, “Read to a Cat with the Hermitage Cat Shelter” and it sounds like it was a fun event!
Siblings reading to their non-reading siblings is also a fun way to encourage building literacy skills and is a program that schools have held (older grades going to read to younger grades).
These are two examples of reading programs that go into developing early literacy skills but there is more to children learning to read than having their older siblings or peers read to them.
The program coordinators at Bookmans and Drag Story Hour- Arizona have backgrounds in early literacy and are able to create programs that include the concepts of early literacy skills (Vocabulary, Print Motivation, Print Awareness, Narrative Skills, Letter Knowledge, and Phonological Awareness) in an entertaining way. Teaching these concepts in a fun way can help children learn a love for reading and hopefully motivate them to continue to reading as young adults and adults.
While early childhood literacy definitely includes children, the pedagogy doesn’t fully stop with them. In the same way you would not have a 9-year-old raise a 3-year-old, you would not fully depend on a child to teach another child to read.
👏 👏 👏 GOOD RIDDANCE 👏 👏 👏 STAY AWAY FROM OUR CHILDREN. YOUVE PISSED OFF THE MOTHER BEARS AND WE WONT TOLERATE YOU PREYING ON OUR CHILDREN. 👏 👏 👏 WE KNOW YOUR AGENDA AND IT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. 👏 👏 👏