Despite complaints on social media in advance of Saturday’s Drag Story Hour at Skokie Public Library, no visible protesters turned out at either of the building’s public entrances.
The Pride Month event featured a return visit by drag queen Coco Sho-Nell of Chicago, who drew young families despite the fact detractors complained on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform prior to the event that the library was spending public dollars on it.
In the Radmacher Room, Drag Story Hour on Saturday accommodated up to 20 children ages 3 to 6, each with an adult.
“Drag Story Hour has been specifically and consistently requested by community members, said Jane Hanna, the library’s communications and multimedia engagement manager.
“We actively collaborate with our patrons and community partners to develop programming that reflects and resonates with our diverse community,” she said, adding that the library pays presenters from the programming fund in its general operating budget.
Coco Sho-Nell reads the Chelsea Clinton and Andrea Davis Pinkney book, “She Persisted” at Drag Story Hour on June 8, 2024 at the Skokie Public Library. (Karie Angell Luc/for Pioneer Press)
Coco Sho-Nell read aloud several illustrated children’s books and led the children in dance party moves to music popular with families.
“I love doing these kind of events,” Sho-Nell said to Pioneer Press, “and being in this space is actually quite fulfilling because I’m able to give back to the community and do something fun with the kids and be like, ‘Hey, you know, you’re different, everybody’s different, let’s have a good time together.’”
Sho-Nell was aware of the negative social media postings in advance of the event.
Reading the Chelsea Clinton and Andrea Davis Pinkney book, “She Persisted” are two Skokie siblings, 9 and 6, at Drag Story Hour on June 8, 2024 at the Skokie Public Library (Karie Angell Luc/for Pioneer Press)
“My biggest thing is people should really educate themselves about first of all, what drag is and what it means to a lot of people in a lot of different worlds,” Sho-Nell said.
“I always say drag can be considered like a rating system, like for the movies.
“There are some shows that are geared for adults and there are some shows that are geared for kids and teens,” Sho-Nell said.
“So just understanding that everything’s not for everybody and that’s okay, but drag itself is just an expression of art.
“People need to understand that drag is art and we need to have more art in our lives because that way it exposes us to learn about different cultures, different people, and makes us just well-rounded people,” Sho-Nell said.
To perform in drag, “is really fulfilling for my heart,” Sho-Nell said.
Sho-Nell did not experience the same backlash last year at a Skokie Public Library story time appearance.
This year, Sho-Nell had support from people who did show up, including Carolyn Pinta of Prairie View, director of the Pinta Pride Project and BG Pride, which produces the annual Buffalo Grove Pride Parade.
Pinta confirmed, “Coco was a grand marshal of the 2022 parade.
“Coco is an extremely talented performer and kind human,” Pinta said. “She has performed several family-friendly shows for us over the years.”
Also appearing outside of the west main entrance was supporter Mary Anne Enriquez of Des Plaines.
“I am so glad that the libraries are continuing to do these events in spite of the opposition,” Enriquez said.
“They need to keep fighting censorship with the books and with all of these nonsense confrontations.
“Our children need to have these things,” Enriquez said about Pride Month and Pride programming.
“It teaches children about differences in people and diversity and all good things.”
Tempest Leggett, 5, of Skokie attended with parent Gina Di Benedetto as part of the audience of approximately 30.
“This is normal in our life and we want her to understand that it’s also normal out in the world,” Di Benedetto said. “It should be.”
The Mentzer-Canta siblings of Skokie, Eamon, 3, and Luna, 5, attended with their parents Stefano Canta and Ciara Mentzer.
“It’s very important, they’re learning something, they’re experiencing diversity and it’s pretty important for them to experience the month of June, Pride Month and they’re very excited,” Stefano Canta said.
Sho-Nell’s reading list included the Chelsea Clinton and Andrea Davis Pinkney illustrated children’s book, “She Persisted.”
The book details the history and contributions of several women leaders.
Kelly Crumrine of Skokie was delighted to see daughters Maeve, 9, a rising fourth-grader and Rowan, 6, a rising first-grader, read and share the book together.
“She’s fabulous,” Kelly Crumrine said about Coco Sho-Nell.
“She knows how to work with the kids, work with the grownups.”
She added, “I love this library, more and more every single day.”
