A local business is proud to provide a safe place to promote inclusion in Norfolk County over March Break.
The Ledge, in collaboration with Firefly and Fox Books and Pride Haldimand-Norfolk, is hosting a Drag Story Time on Thursday for families to stop by and hear an entertaining tale by Ms Cherry .
That’s Ledge owner Amanda Paton.
The decision, as noted on their Facebook post advertising the event, has got the business in some heat with certain members of the community – but overall they’ve seen strong support for the idea.
We spoke the guest of honour, Jason Mayo, about the event as well.
He goes over what you can expect when you walk in for the show.
For Mayo, he sees this as an opportunity to have a good time and spread a little joy in Downtown Simcoe.
While the delivery may be a bit over top and highly entertaining, they wanted to make sure they picked out a book to read that could provide that joy but also teach a thing or two to an ears that may be listening.
While this is a fun event, it can’t help but have a slight shadow hanging over it due to decision made in the United States where certain places have banned Drag Reading events.
Because of this, Mayo said it’s crucial for these events to keep happening.
He also spoke about some of the negative feedback both himself and the business has received once they announced this event.
He understands that not everyone will be coming to the show, but he really hopes some people who are vocally against it would consider watching the show with an open mind.
Visibility is important, and Mayo has been happy to participate in many local events and shows recently in drag.
He said even in his day to day job as a teacher he realizes the role he plays outside of an educator.
Mayo also noted that a lot of people get upset about a person in drag reading a kids story, when that is essentially how the movie of Mrs. Doubtfire ends – a movie widely adored.
Paton concluded this chat, saying that this is an event that hopefully has a ripple effect.
The story time goes from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the hope to have as many readings as possible during that time.
This is a family friendly event and though Paton acknowledges that they have been the target of hurtful words and serious threats due to hosting this, but the event will go on as planned.
Written by Matt LeBlanc