Tensions were high in the West Village Sunday during Drag Story Hour.

One side of 13th Street was filled with people chanting in favor of the event having drag performers read stories to children.

“For the kids it’s just somebody in a costume and it is excitement and it is an entertaining way to learn,” Jason Fluegge from Cycle for the Cause said.

Meanwhile, the other side chanted, “Let kids be kids,” and were vehemently against the event.

What You Need To Know

  • Protestors were outside The Center — lining both sides of 13th Street

  • New York Attorney General Letitia James organized the event

  • Jo Trigg was glad their son could attend but was upset by the “negativity” outside

  • Opponents were protesting to, quote, “protect the innocence of our children

“It’s not about hate, it’s about love and protecting the innocence of our children,” a protester said.

New York Attorney General Letitia James organized the Drag Story Hour at The Center — a resource and community center that celebrates the city’s LGBTQ community.

The event was intended to be a fun afternoon for children.

“Their love for books and literacy is so important but also recognizing that we need to accept each other as we are,” James said.

Manhattan Councilmember Erik Bottcher responded to the crowds outside.

“What you are seeing now is an attempt to silence and intimidate our community and the families coming to this program, this quality program which is a literacy program,” Bottcher said.

While people were fired up outside on the inside of The Center, it was very different inside.

Families that attended the event told NY1 that they enjoyed the story hour.

Jo Trigg brought their two-year-old son, Mica.

This was their first drag queen story hour. They were upset by the clamoring outside.

"It’s definitely very overwhelming, but I was very appreciative of the supporters to drown out the negativity and frankly, I think it is very strange that people are into sexualizing drag like this. There is nothing sexual that goes on here,” Trigg said.

Yuhua Hamasaki has been a drag performer for 15 years and says the children at the event are lucky to have this resource.

“I would have felt like I belonged here in this world and fitting in. You know, because I didn’t have any of this as a kid,” Hamasaki said.

Despite the opposition outside, Trigg was glad their son got to be there and exposed to this event.

“I think it is very important for children to see the possibilities and the genders that were represented and to see themselves reflected back,” Trigg said.