CLINTONVILLE, Ohio (10TV) - The Clintonville community stepped up to reschedule a "Drag Queen Story Hour" after it was canceled.
On Monday night, families packed the house at Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse. They were there to watch drag queens Valerie Taylor and Courtney Kelly sing and read books to kids. The goal was to promote literacy and also teach a lesson of diversity, self-love, and appreciation for all people.
"We've been to the Pride parade each summer and always enjoy the drag queens. It's a favorite of my daughter's in the parade. So, of course, we wanted to come tonight and hear some great Disney stories delivered by such enthusiastic actors," said Alice Duncanson, who brought her daughter to the event.
However, at one point, the event was canceled. The Clinton Elementary PTA originally planned it as an after-school activity. "Outside agitators" caused them to call it off.
"Well, some groups on Twitter got a hold of some information and started sharing that. It got to a point where we weren't comfortable with the things they were sharing about our community - our school community - so we decided it wasn't a good idea to have the kids be involved in that anymore," said PTA President Erin Bauer.
The news spread quickly and the support started pouring in from the community. Studio 35 offered to host the event.
"We're so grateful. We have such an amazing community here in Clintonville," Bauer said.
The once-small private event turned into a large public one. There were more than 100 people in attendance for the Disney-themed story hour.
"Really our main thing is not only promoting literacy and all the different forms that can take, but acceptance of people - how they are and who they are," Bauer said. "Being your authentic self is the most important thing."
Donations were encouraged at the door to support local ALS chapters. We are told about $700 was raised.
Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse plans to host another Drag Queen Story Hour in May.