What led to a man approaching me in an angry and threatening way while I was campaigning? Lies and accusations posted on social media surrounding my written opposition to Drag Queen Story Hour at my local library.
On September 22, 2017 I posted the following on Front Porch Forum: “Drag Queen Story Hour is an atrocity that is spreading across the country. Do not be fooled into thinking that this is a healthy or wholesome type of entertainment for children. Confusing children in this way is nothing short of child abuse. These drag queens have a hidden agenda to further their social and political views and they are using children all across our country to do so.”
Five years later several posts like the following began to appear on Front Porch Forum in response: “This is the kind of baseless accusation and mischaracterization that has been lobbed against the LGBTQ+ community for decades. This is the kind of virulent homophobia that has been used to justify violence against people in the LGBTQ+ community.“
My response was: “My public disapproval of DQSH, is in no way a basis for false accusations concerning my views on any sect of our society or on my ability to legislate in an unbiased manner.”
But the online accusations continued. And people’s hatred and anger were inflamed.
Since my post in 2017 I have discovered other diverse voices sounding this same alarm.
The Women’s Liberation Front: “Drag is adult entertainment with heavy doses of sexism. Drag is adult entertainment, and even when aimed at audiences of children in Drag Queen Story Hour events, drag queens typically display a highly sexualized dress and behavior.” https://womensliberationfront.org/news/feminist-objections-to-drag-queen-story-hour
Gays Against Groomers: “Gays Against Groomers is a coalition of gay people who oppose the recent trend of indoctrinating, sexualizing and medicalizing children under the guise of LGBTQIA+. Our community that once preached love and acceptance of others has been hijacked by radical activist who are now pushing extreme concepts onto society specifically targeting children in recent years… Gays Against Groomers directly opposes the sexualization and indoctrination of children. This includes drag queen story hours, drag shows involving children, the transitioning and medicalization of minors and gender theory being taught in the classroom.” https://www.gaysagainstgroomers.com/about
Drag performer Kitty Demure: “To me, drag is adult entertainment.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVqSiN4qr_4
Lamoille County families with young children are facing some difficult issues. How will they afford the burdensome $.17 per gallon tax the Democrats are ready to reintroduce as soon as they get back to Montpelier? How can these families find affordable housing in our area when government regulations keep stopping progress? And what can be done to make their schools safe?
Drag Queen Story Hour is not an issue that requires my attention as a legislator. My goal as your Representative will be to help create a safe, affordable Vermont that attracts and keeps our young families.