DELAWARE, Ohio (WBNS) - An event called "Drag 101" has drawn backlash for the Delaware County Library, just north of Columbus.
The library board commissioners joked it was the biggest crowd they've seen at one of their meetings. That's where the joking ended.
“I don't see this as a political event. I see this as an event tied into the theatre, tied into something the young people are interested in,” said Library Director George Needham.
The library has invited a friend of Nina West, Selena West, to teach a class on drag queens.
“I came today in drag to show people who had an opposite viewpoint that it is not scary, that drag queens are people,” said Selena West.
West argues the class is about theater, dressing up, not about sexuality.
“This is a character. My program is going to be about hair, make-up, nails, the history of drag. It's not going to be about sex, it's not going to be about gender. It's not going to be about trans,” said Selena West.
Parents still had concerns. One said, “I do think it does indicate some sexual choices.”
Another added, “I have concerns that it is taxpayer funded, and there may be many taxpayers that do object to tax money being used for controversial programs.”
Supporters voiced their appreciation as well. “For a lot of people, it's no big deal; for the people it is a big deal for, it could be the difference between life and death to see someone like them.”
The library director says the event will likely still be held on June 5.
