Library to Host ‘Drag Queen Story Fun Time’ despite opposition

Lansdale, PA. - This Saturday at 10:30am at the Lansdale Public Library, Eric Torres whose stage name is "Annie Christ", will be reading two books to local children and parents. Torres plans to read the books “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed” and “Sparkle Boy".

Annie Chirst has been deemed "Lansdale's Resident Drag Queen". A sample of posts from Torres's facebook page include "The only thing worse than the zombie toddler in Pet Semetary, was the family that brought an actual toddler to the 10:30 PM showing of Pet Semetary last night. Nobody paid $10 to hear how weak your pullout game is".

According to reports, Eric Torres of Philadelphia chose the name “Annie Christ” for his stage name out of his “love of gothic themes, horror movies, and bands such as NIN.” His Instagram page features a mix of photos from his everyday life as Eric—such as his interest in mudding—and his alter persona as a drag performer—some of which are gory, some with grandiose wigs and makeup, and one where Torres painted an upside down cross on his forehead.

Naturally this has sparked outrage and protest. President & CEO of Pennsylvania Family Institute, Michael Geer, along with concerned locals has called for the signing of a petition (https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u...) to cancel the event. These "Drag Queen Story Hours" have been spreading to libraries across the country, and target toddlers and young children, encouraging acceptance and embrace of transgender ideology and inappropriately introducing them to sexual themes and ideas".

Accoring to reports, The Pennsylvania Pastors Network has likewise expressed concern about the story time. “The fact that we have even been forced to address such a matter as a story time for children provided by men dressed in drag is a tragic commentary on our culture,” Executive Director Gary Dull told Charisma News. “We pray for clarity, truth and the protection of children in this dire situation.”

While the library has recieved numerous calls of complaint about the event, Library director Tom Meyer, plans to go forward with the show. Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert and Councilman Leon Angelichio also defended the children’s event with Annie Christ. "I feel that the purpose of the event is to promote acceptance and equality, and that’s a message that we should be teaching to our children all the time,” Herbert told North Penn Now. “So I have no problem with the event, and I have no problem with the protesters that want to peacefully protest an event that they disagree with.”

According to The Voice, Annie Christ said he hasn't spent much time looking into what protesters are saying about the event. "It’s not about them. Of all the things going on, the one thing that has me most nervous is knowing I have to keep the attention of a bunch of kids for an hour," he joked. "I did this because I wanted to tell kids that it's OK to be different, that it's OK to have your own thoughts and ideas about what you want to look like, how you want to live. That's all that matters."

Christian and locals plan to have a peaceful protest the day of the event. Steve L. Piotrowski has organized a prayer rally(https://www.facebook.com/event...) . “This evil event is not God-honoring,” he said. “We strongly believe that it is very dangerous to use publicly funded libraries and government in general to promote radical ideas that defy science and normal ideas about gender. We are concerned that the library is taking on such a politically controversial issue, especially when receiving tax dollars."

Despite a large amount of protest the event is planned to continue as scheduled. The police will be on hand to assure a peaceful assembly on both sides.