Holy Water vs Drag Story Time 🌈

Today we're looking into a story from Irish news on a drag story telling event that took place during Belfast Pride. Armed with holy water, "Parents Against Grooming" showed up to protest.
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Sources:
www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/be...
www.irishnews.com/news/northe...
www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-chil...
Sound effects courtesy of Zapsplat.com
Timecodes:
00:00 Channel Intro
02:49 What really happened
04:52 Parents against Grooming
05:24 "Grooming" as a slur
08:23 Abuse against drag artists
12:08 Protestors
19:24 Choose your battles
Huge thank you to my lovely Patrons!
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[@caseh4235]

"I'd never take my kids to somewhere where they'll get groomed by paedophiles!" *takes their kids to church*

[@markhaunert5029]

Exactly 👍

[@ilovefunnyamv2nd]

its more than just that. they have separate classes for bible study and what-not

[@markhaunert5029]

@@ilovefunnyamv2nd yes,probably more of a problem than anywhere else.

[@DanCanning]

Not only that, at the church, they are taken to see a man in a dress that tells stories and sings songs. I guess the only difference between going to church and attending drag story time is that one is full of stories of love and compassion and the other is full of stories of pain, suffering and eternal damnation designed to terrify and control. Odd how it's the drag queen that is said to be abusing children.

[@clintmcbride7830]

Those are the same kind of generalizations they use. Be better than them please 👍

[@daniellamcgee4251]

I took my son to Story Time in the library when he was young. The hetrosexual librarian would dress up as a fairy character with wings, a tutu, glitter etc. I am just realising that my son may have been influenced by her to dress up as a fairy for the Enchanted Garden theme at kindergarten! He is also cis - gender and heterosexual! OMG! 😭😭😭😭 I did my best as a single queer parent, but I see how I failed him, now. I thought it was harmless fun and educational. Even though he is heterosexual, I love him as only a mother could.

[@DerAua]

A year late: But this comment is hillarious!

[@Soapy-chan_old]

Funny how they accuse LGBT people of grooming, but then let their young children be around pastors who abuse them and ignore it.

[@markhaunert5029]

So true 👍

[@andybrace9225]

As Christopher Hitchens said would sooner let his gay friend Stephen Fry look after his children than a Catholic priest.

[@silverbemyname]

🎵 I BELIEVE 🎵

[@nickryan3417]

Religious indoctrination is child abuse: the abuse of vulnerable people. It's why they start early on them when they are most vulnerable

[@markhaunert5029]

@@andybrace9225 I remember that. Stephen is probably the most trustworthy man alive.

[@thomasdowning6768]

As a white straight cis male born in Murica, I say thumbs up for Cherry on Top. Keep being you.

[@twiggledowntown3564]

@Gav I didn't even notice, you both had the same icon, just different backgrounds.

[@stevejeffery3112]

Strength to your arm. :)

[@inthem8riX_]

as another white straight cis murica-born male, i absolutely agree

[@adonoghuea02]

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if people would protest adults in animal costumes around kids saying it will turn them into furies.

[@campfireaddict6417]

Some people deserve and need a good public embarrassing thrashing. Stop that shit in it's tracks. Instead they're allowed to behave in the only way they know how to gain some fleeting feeling of control, because their lives are so bankrupt, shitting on others as they march on.

[@ryn2844]

Disney didn't allow a character in the cartoon Gravity Falls to even mention wearing an animal costume for Halloween because of this reason. Alex Hirsch, creator of the show, did a whole exposé of all of the ridiculous things he wasn't allowed to put in the show, in a 5 minute video. It's hilarious.

[@jenkem4464]

Oh...believe me...they do.

[@Scatscar1985]

NSPCC and the RSPCA. So the Royals are more interested in protecting animals than protecting children?

[@adonoghuea02]

@@Scatscar1985 what?

[@Rosyna]

I disagree with the statement “the silent majority supports equal rights”. It’s a very loud majority that supports equality but can’t drown out the bigotry from the extreme minority. It especially doesn’t help when a government’s power doesn’t reflect the majority (like in the US, where right-wing politicians have a majority or blocking power even though they represent a tiny fraction of the total population)

[@GoCoyote]

One only supports equal rights, or any position, when one speaks out. If one is silent, then anyone can take your silence to mean whatever they want to.

[@ItsTechnicallyMagic]

At time of posting this comment in the US the Democratic Party (the “liberal” party) technically has a slight majority in the House of Representatives and in the Senate there’s a technical majority (due to two Independents who lean left) but we will see if this changes in November.

[@Rosyna]

@@ItsTechnicallyMagic In the US, due to the mere threat of a filibuster, most things need 60% of votes to pass.

[@Komischer0815nick]

I would be careful with quantifying people supporting the right wing republican extremist politiciand in the US a tiny minority... It sure would be prudent not to assume that just because you wanna be charitable.

[@natediaz1863]

Lmao! You are delusional. I'd say that if not for conservatives bad rep for rahcism, most people have conservative views. If the right ever changed their tune in regards to race that would be a wrap for liberalism. And truthfully, the right only needs to appeal to one race in the US: Hispanics. If they did that, and it's already starting to happen, you'll see the majority shift hard away from liberalism. Most minorities have conservative values but want the economic advantage that liberalism gives to them.

[@matthewcavan5649]

Hi Emma, I am Cherrie Ontop the Drag Queen from this event in belfast. Thanks for shining a light on this xxxx

[@rhaeven]

Thanks for being cool and helping kids get used to the idea that it's okay to be different. We had a similar situation a couple of weeks ago in Bristol, Aida H Dee ended up avoiding a protest by changing venue and only telling ticketholders. I tried to talk some sense into a few people on the facebook comments of the local news article about it. A bit of luck with a couple but most of them have got the QAnon brainworms

[@jeffnorwood-brown8407]

People were accusing the Met Office of scaremongering recently for using the colour red to warn of hot temperatures. People are stupid. We live in a very interesting time at the moment and it needs pioneers like you. Keep up the great work.

[@Ulthek]

I am roughly a year late, but you deserve several awards for the name alone.

[@MyMarsham]

Fifty one year old hetero male here. I did drag when I was in University, we did a _Priscilla_ retrospective. Still got the photos. The music director was gay, and brought his boyfriend along. We went back over the old WWII tradition of soldiers donning drag for plays and musicals. Funny thing, I’m still hetero. Maybe the grooming didn’t take with me? There are some people who just have to be scared/angry/confused at anything they don’t understand, and they won’t learn a damn thing.

[@insu_na]

@@T.E.S.S. OK, so 1994 was 28 years ago. 51 - 28 = 23. Even if said IP was the same meant by the OP here that is still a plausible time to be in University. What's your point exactly?

[@DmGray]

Went to a mate's wedding in a dress. Had attendees think I was trans. Was actually quite endearing. Still a straight guy. Just totally comfortable with who I am. To the point I was openly discussing trans issues with my dad's working class mates over 20 years ago. My very brief "identity crisis" was at 17 (so... 2000?) when 2 gay guys came onto me and my uncle had to tell them to leave me alone. I later overheard my dad say he thought I was gay, no condemnation just his observation. Upset me for a few weeks, become mildly uncomfortable about homosexuality. Then I got over it. None of it matters. Folks is folks. Awkwardly hitting on somebody isn't evil... just awkward. Wasn't long before I consider it a compliment. My mate's bf asks me to go home with them for a MMM threesome? I politely decline and give him a big hug for being awesome. Most of my family still thinks I'm gay. I even got my outwardly homophobic uncle to admit that he'd love me anyway (and that was 15+ years ago. He's the NIMBY sort, so far more tolerant than he thinks. I'd totally take a world where "I just don't want to see it" was the extent of bigotry) These folks CHOOSE to get offended, or they cherry pick a few more problematic cases to pretend are endemic (and even those cases aren't an issue with the identity of those involved. "straight" parents fuck up or negatively influence their kids all the time. Not being "straight" doesn't automagically make you into a good parent, or a good person)

[@tiredandcaffeinated]

@@T.E.S.S. He didn't say what year he was in university, though. o.o Not trying to be rude in any way, just saying that you can be any age when going to university, so it's possible that he went later in his life than you're thinking

[@arielconstante212]

If holy water was indeed "holy" and has the power to burn evil, then the people who sought to threw it on others would be the first ones to be hurt by it. Funny how they don't worry about leaving their kids in churches who had a widely know history of abuse and molesters...

[@rodneytgap5340]

Let's assume holy water works. When you toss it on someone and there is no burning or smoking or sudden spirit expulsion, does it prove they were innocent? If the intellectual consistency was there, the madness wouldn't exist, but it would also be more palatable.

[@KatyReminiec9399]

Ariel, "holy water " was supposed to be water that was blessed by a priest...it ain't anything but salt water

[@MaryAnnNytowl]

@@KatyReminiec9399 that's... not their point. Their point is that it _isn't_ holy. At all. Your retort really isn't a 'gotcha,' at'all. 😉

[@thoughtlesskills]

If you get FOX to whip them up over it they would start to care. Sheepiest sheep you've ever seen.

[@chrissyweikoop7931]

wondering why they never say "leave our kids alone" to their priests. theyre the ones that are getting rather touchy at times. i cant even count the amount of activities our church offered to kids only. no parents allowed. 😂

[@campfireaddict6417]

Was that a Catholic church? What was their explanation for not allowing parents in on the activities? What kind of activities?

[@chrissyweikoop7931]

​@@campfireaddict6417 catholic yes. explanation - i have no idea, i was a child. i dont know what the grown ups were talking about. all sorts of activities. choir, hiking, even trips for about 3 days at some camps i guess. glad my parents at least never sent me to their camps. choir and after school activities were touchy enough for my taste.

[@ilovefunnyamv2nd]

because those are "god's people" they get a free pass. and they've been caught abusing that pass quite often

[@chrissyweikoop7931]

@@ilovefunnyamv2nd thats even more perplexing to me, as someone who got indoctrinated with that crap. i guess its the nature of religions, but their god is even worse than them. so why give them a pass? 😂

[@bignickenergy3525]

So, by your logic when one drag queen is caught out as a pedo then all of them are. I think that's the problem with this. There are drag queens and there are pedos dresses as drag queens. There is a massive difference and just as pedo priests there have been convicted pedos at drag queen story hour.

[@jimclark6978]

As a 54 year old raving heterosexual I’d just like to say to Cherry On Top, you have my support and respect, I grew up in the bigoted and hate charged atmosphere of “Little Ireland” (West Scotland) we need more people like you who want to educate people that different is OKAY. Emma, can you please do something with your chair, those pink inserts make you look like you’re ears are massive, love the content, love the channel keep up the good work.

[@nickryan3417]

Ah hell, I was semi-thinking this and now can't not think this! Emma's lovely, but Emma crossed with a pink dumbo (Disney elephant) not so easy to take seriously! :)

[@fluffysheap]

Well now I can't unsee that

[@Isaac-hm6ih]

Maybe we can reframe them as ram's horns? Because satanism? The logo sticking up above her head does sort of look like a small horn on one side, when her head's in the right place and I squint.

[@Adamsparrot]

For a moment there, I thought I was seeing thing... Thought maybe something was wrong with my glasses... But yeah, can't unsee it.

[@ladynoir3039]

This is beautiful 😍

[@giantcheesegrater]

When I was a kid in the 90s, Mrs Doubtfire was a wildly popular family film, and I don't recall anyone ever having an issue with the character. These people only have an issue with drag when its associated with queer people.

[@eatshitlarrypage.3319]

Then there was that awkward scene in Ace Ventura, though personally (and I'm not okaying it), I don't think the person was trans. They killed a hiker and took on their identity to get into the police force, but never once expressed any kind of dysphoria or anything. Still shouldn't rip a person's clothes off like that in public unless you have a DAMN good reason. I'm baked af sorry if I'm making no sense. (In case it needs to be clarified, a damn good reason would be like having corrosive chemicals on their clothing, or literally being on fire, or suffocating from tight clothing. That kind of thing.)

[@amelliamendel2227]

It's more than that, Mrs. Doubtfire held crossdressing as a joke, something silly and wrong in these people's eyes. It was tolerated because the premise of the movie was to mock how silly crossdressing is.

[@JustinW332]

I wish that drag story time was more of a thing when I was a kid. That sounds like loads of fun and would have been affirming for me when I was a gay kid.

[@jursamaj]

I think *that* is what the protesters are really worried about. They want to make sure their gay kids stay in the closet. The last thing they want is people telling their kids that it's OK to be different from what the parents want them to be. And not just gender, but also religion, politics, etc. The most 'conservative' people don't raise kids to be their own people, they raise them to be clones of their view of the world.

[@alisaurus4224]

That’s exactly it. The people who raised me don’t want kids to see any kind of non-conforming behavior as acceptable because then they might not stay terrified and closeted all their lives. BE LIKE US OR DIE, basically

[@JustinW332]

@@alisaurus4224 my family is the same way

[@I.am.Sarah.]

Same but no way would my parents have allowed me within 5 kms of it unfortunately 🙁

[@luisostasuc8135]

ugh, same. I literally had no idea that two men could be together until I was 13 because of this kind of siloing. (and sent to catholic school to boot). But, i'm happy for the kids these days who are able to get affirmation early in life

[@ShikataGaNai100]

"Give me a child till he is seven years old." - St. Ignatius Loyola Now THAT's grooming personified.

[@Flammifleure]

Given Ignatius' beliefs, I'd be at least as worried as to what he's teaching the poor kid to believe.

[@eatshitlarrypage.3319]

Psst, Numbers 31:15-18

[@FaiaHalo]

Thank you soooo much Emma for standing up for queer people. I know lately the atheist community has been getting more and more diverse, but still this type of content is scarse and deeply valuable. Thank you!! Much love from Latin America!

[@gggooding]

Simple explanation for the holy water: drag queens are vampires. (The makeup acts as sunscreen!) And you thought drag queens couldn't get _cooler_ .

[@ilovefunnyamv2nd]

that actually checks out, I've never known a drag queen to enter a house uninvited. Hey, look who respects others' boundaries!

[@johngagnon5148]

🤣

[@matthewcavan5649]

Damn, you worked out my secret! X Cherrie Ontop

[@gggooding]

Here's why we know the Queens _aren't_ 'pires: Vamps can't eat food. I (chef, I am) once made a blue berry cheese cake for the first drag queens I ever met. They kidnapped me as a thanks and took me on a many splendored night. Nothing R-rated at all; just joy and song and a bit too much vodka. I made some new friends...it was magic. But they *definitely* ate food.

[@I.am.Sarah.]

@@gggooding That's what they MADE you think. Vampires can hypnotize you, you know 😉

[@pencilpauli9442]

If people in costumes acting on a stage could turn people queer, at least half the population of 16th century London would be turned, just by going to watch Romeo and Juliet at the Globe, as indeed any child ever who has been to watch a pantomime.

[@KimboSheil]

I was groomed by a guy in my church’s Sunday school. He had a history of abusing children and they still allowed him to volunteer with kids. He was doing this to other kids and the church knew about it and did nothing. I’ve met countless people who have had almost identical stories to mine. I’ve yet to hear one involving a drag queen.

[@timsmith6675]

My kids grew up with people in the queer community at different times of their lives. This interaction didn't change my daughters natural sexual orientation, it just makes them aware of other people's lives. If either one would love someone of their own sex, I could care less!

[@pakese30]

‘Couldn’t’ but yeah definitely agree.

[@TheMahayanist]

Let's say it was true that you can change people's sexual orientation. So what? Why is that a problem? What's the argument?

[@jamie1602]

@@TheMahayanist And when you tell them this they just get mad. And then you go "yeah like you chose to be straight, same thing" you watch them run around screaming. Kinda fun. Usually I just recite the really obscure stuff from the Bible. Really obscure. The stuff they've never heard before but I can really easily find for them and turns out, surprise they've never actually read it.

[@realrealwarpet]

Can we sue people who call others p*do, and groomer? That feels like slander and defamation

[@EmmaThorneVideos]

I think there's serious cause to do so if it's an impactful enough thing! Unfortunately people who make these accusations are usually smart enough to know that court is so time consuming and expensive that most wouldn't bother

[@Doctor.T.46]

@@EmmaThorneVideos To call someone a paedophile is a slur that sticks regardless of whether it is a lie. Harmful slurs like that can destroy lives. Sometimes those slurs are used exactly because the perpetrator wants to destroy lives...and sometimes they succeed, even in breaking up families.

[@johndemeritt3460]

@@jonsnow7844, actually, if you're acting in a racist or NAZI fashion, you'd have a hard case for defamation, slander of libel.

[@realrealwarpet]

@@jonsnow7844 only if you aren’t a racist or a nazi.

[@burntgrahamcracker2866]

That sounds like a *great* idea, give pedos the ability to hide behind lawsuits.

[@mikechapman7078]

4 years ago Drag Queen Story Time read at my kids school. Whilst a few parents objected, the event was enjoyed by most. My kids got to hear some positive stories and had a fun day.

[@shanekeefer40]

I just keep thinking about how women used be barred from acting and men played women's roles, and thus dressed up as women. That was fine. It is simply bc drag is associated with the LGBTQ community

[@shanekeefer40]

I wrote this comment before realizing you had mentioned this yourself 🤣

[@kellydalstok8900]

Didn’t Jesus himself wear a dress

[@shanekeefer40]

@@kellydalstok8900 Well if you want to use a more modern term that approximates an ancient form of apparel, then sure. I get what you mean tho

[@BruceCarroll]

This is just shocking. I worked for twenty years as a children's and family entertainer. (I worked as a magician.) I put on a costume (a woefully outdated tuxedo) and performed almost exclusively at private events (primarily birthday parties). Multiple adults were always present at my shows. I prided myself in never telling an off-color joke, even if it was one that would go over the kid's heads. While some of the kids admired me and my magic, there was no relationship forged. No one ever accused me of grooming or trying to turn their kids straight or anything like that.

[@autohmae]

Are you sure you didn't turn some into wanting to do magic as well ? ;-)

[@BruceCarroll]

Possibly. Maybe even turned a gay or trans kid into wanting to do magic.

[@autohmae]

@@BruceCarroll maybe you are just to cool !

[@SpeCt3r1995]

People protesting so vehemently against this event need to look back on things like Mr. Rogers dipping his feet in the wading pool with François Clemmons, and really look at how similar the resistance was to *that* event when it happened. The people mentioned in this video, just like those who had a problem with Officer Clemmons sharing a pool with Mr. Rogers, are so completely on the wrong side of history for the dumbest of reasons. Hopefully some of them might realize that some day. Mr. Rogers was such an amazing force for good, looking to inspire kids to be themselves in every capacity and to love themselves for it. And though the presentation that Cherry Ontop is offering might seem a bit... unorthodox in comparison to what these people might expect, the message is the same. We need more people telling kids that it's okay (and even great!) to be whomever they want, rather than trying to shove a specific ideal down their throat strictly because an ancient, dusty book told them so.

[@Sableagle]

"I think Mr. Rogers would be pretty disappointed in you." - Beau of the Fifth Column to red-hat idiots.

[@ThePiedPiperOfVienna]

I am sad that we live in a world where your videos are necessary. Thank you for fighting for tolerance so passionately! 🖤

[@somethingsinlife5600]

Imagine their shock and horror when these parents find out about cosplay :) and conventions.

[@nyarlothotep4127]

The catholic church knows all about grooming.... Centuries of experience with it... 😢

[@xtinkerbellax3]

So do the Evangelicals and Jehovahs Witnesses.

[@RichWoods23]

@@xtinkerbellax3 I think I'm starting to see a pattern emerge.

[@grahvis]

Priests, pastors etc, are in a position of power and trust over children, many have taken advantage.

[@AegixDrakan]

That's the real irony here. The catholic church is notorious for shuffling abusive priests around so they can avoid the consequences of their abuse, many evangelicals support purity culture to the point where they try to get their daughters married as soon as possible, sometimes even way too young, etc etc etc... But nooo, they just see someone doing genderbend cosplay, or identifying as not the gender they were assigned at birth, or being in a consenting adult relationship of someone of the same sex, and they claim THAT'S child abuse. :S

[@PokemonRules333]

@@grahvis yeah and pastors are alone with kids while drag queen story hours have parents with the kids

[@phoenixkingtheo]

I never got the "it's a choice" argument. Why would someone chose to identify as something that a very vocal group hates and (they don't say this out loud) wishes they would either "repent" at the least or wants to actively harm at the worst?

[@otak3133]

My approach is "You really think it's a choice?" "So, you had to choose?" "So you're saying you're actually bi, but just repressing it. We don't all have a choice like that."

[@tuulofdstrxn]

As someone who used to think this way, the way it was taught by my religion was, however people can't choose how they feel, they can choose to sin or not to sin. It's the repressed sexuality talking, basically: Religious people often do have to choose between being themselves and living according to their religion. This is compounded by the frequent use of suppressed language - certain words and expressions are rather left out as somehow "sinful" in themselves, and instead are insinuated at by either euphemism or by alternate expression that confounds the meaning a bit. The result, lots of religious people hearing the word "choice" being tossed around when talking about sexuality and identity and form an association.

[@ThyHattris]

At my school last year there was a great drag story time and it was awesome to listen and watch

[@Jacob115ify]

How old were the children and what was the content of the story like?

[@ThyHattris]

@@Jacob115ify it was 12-14 year olds, and I’m pretty sure the story was about being yourself and not changing to fit in

[@xAxCx]

Drag story time? That sounds awesome! The 90's were a different time but I kind of wish my school had that.

[@ThyHattris]

@@xAxCx it’s also because it’s an alternative school so it’s much more welcoming

[@xAxCx]

@@ThyHattris lucky you! I went to public school. Though, I argue that public school should be just as welcoming and inclusive.

[@TheMrCougarful]

I happen to think that telling children stories about a sky god who will send them to Hell if they do not dedicate their life and wealth to the Christian church is child abuse.

[@smartykattgb7204]

I died of laughter when I saw the title, because it _completely_ caught me off guard. Nice job catching attention, Emma.

[@Sableagle]

@@jonsnow7844 How many million people have been murdered by drag queens for being "the wrong kind of" drag queen? None? Right. There's a difference for you.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

@@jonsnow7844 The dressing up isn't the issue, other than what dress represents. Drag queens represent gender freedom, theatrics and entertainment. Religious clothing represents heirachy in a religious organisation. There is a difference between religious rituals, and the beliefs behind them, and a children's story time that has a message based on fact. The fact being that we are all unique individuals, and the message being to celebrate our uniqueness. The holy water, and other religious rituals, are a form attempted magic. The message is not based on fact. These people were performing a ritual based on the belief that Cherrie was grooming the children, which was factually incorrect. They were protesting against something that wasn't happening, using a distortion of a religious ritual, (pouring 'holy water' on the ground outside) also for theatrics, but as an attempted magic to dispel non-existant evil, and hypocritically acting against their own religious doctrine 'love thy neighbour'. So what they were doing was ridiculous at every level. It would be funny if their delusional fears weren't so damaging to others, very much including children.

[@daniellamcgee4251]

@@jonsnow7844 P.S. Super cereal sounds amazing! I am assuming you are meaning surreal, though.

[@lidbass]

@Jon Snow How are the drag queens ‘preaching’ exactly?

[@daniellamcgee4251]

@@jonsnow7844 What do you mean by 'I should know' ? You seem to be implying that I am hypocritical in some way. I am curious about what way, and how you came to a conclusion about me. Can you elaborate?

[@thomasvanstraelen5848]

I didn't know drag story telling is a thing. Sounds like fun !

[@jasonibbs]

Pretty horrifying and dangerous/traumatizing to kids really. But thats from all the protestors barging in and waving weapons around, yelling "THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!". You know, totally normal stuff that real adults do thats in no way an irrational or deranged reaction to a book reading.

[@PokemonRules333]

Yeah it does sound like fun too bad immature bigots have to ruin the fun

[@Gamefan86]

🤢🤮

[@JarredTheWyrdWorker]

I think it's important to remember that "LGBTQIA+ people are sexual predators" is a very old accusation that has been raised by bigots for literally decades. It goes back to at least Anita Bryant in the early 1980s.

[@toddbennett7157]

Remember the fad pet in the 70's?? GERBILS. And those ridiculous accompanying stories concerning Richard Gere (or whoever, depending on the week). So bigots always fabricate victimization of society's beloved, human or otherwise!

[@jare3959]

Just like any performer, most queens I know (including myself) only interact with children if the kid is A) Interested in the interaction (approaches us etc) and B) the parent is around. If their parent is not around, finding their guardian becomes the priority anyways. I'm lucky that often times the producer of the event often works as our handlers, similar to someone assigned to a character at Disneyland. They operate as a sort of buffer to make sure everything is comfortable for everyone involved. I actually typically joke with my queen friends about it. If there is an event with an official picture taking line (Meet & Greet) at a nightclub, there is usually a handler for us too to be a buffer between us and the potentially drunk clients. We joke that the drunk audience are like giant toddlers.

[@betterthanrae8137]

Someone ask these people how it is that you can "turn" kids gay or trans, but you can't "turn" kids straight? Where how literally no one can explain this very real phenomenon.....🤔

[@GamesFromSpace]

The only dressing-up which changes what children want to be is Batman. Because once you know being Batman is an option, you want to be Batman.

[@saladiniv7968]

always be yourself, unless you can be batman. then always be batman.

[@christopherholt5321]

Do these people who have protested this event, ever taken their children to a pantomime or have they been themselves.

[@RichWoods23]

Probably not. A lot of these fundamentalists, whether of the Catholic or Protestant type, see all of arts and culture as demeaning to God. If they were ever to go and look around the Ulster Museum's art collection the Protestants would dismiss the Italian religious art as Papist idolatry while the Catholics would denounce the Dutch and Flemish works as heretical.

[@Flammifleure]

Theatre has long had a "bad" reputation, actually, so yeah they probably don't watch pantomime.

[@ZarchAlDain]

The main argument people tried to make to me was that drag is inately sexual. All drag is sexual. That it's impossible to do a non-sexual drag act. Utterly bonkers but it's an article of faith for them.

[@rhaeven]

This is especially stupid here in the UK where we've had Dame Edna Everidge and Julian Clairy on our screens since the 80s. I'm not sure Dame Edna's act could be less sexual haha

[@kellydalstok8900]

@@rhaeven I absolutely loved Dame Edna. And later we had Mrs. Brown.

[@susanbland6790]

Absolutely ridiculous!! I attended a musical drag show in Palm Spring a while back, it was amazing. Each performer impersonated a famous female singer, Lady Gaga, Barbara Streisand etc... and they were exceptional! There was nothing more sexual about their performance than the performances of the originals. I would have no issue taking my 11 year old grandson to see their show.

[@murraypearson2359]

Thank you, Emma, for telling us all about Cherrie Ontop. I have my own Cherrie, named Ms Margarita Fancypants, and she kept me alive through 20+ years of hellish abuse and illness and torture, without me ever being aware of her until this June. Margie has written a letter of support to Cherrie. The world needs *more* Cherries, and Margies -- and more Emma Thornes. Sending loads of love from Montreal!

[@markhaunert5029]

I suggest anyone who truly cares about children to just Google top reasons for children's death. Let's work on these issues instead of a harmless book.

[@ozlemaktas6446]

It always amazes me the outrage and backlash to drag shows because the operatic theatres, stage shows and actors of ancient history and medieval times including Shakespeare’s times only ever had male actors or young boys whose voice hadn’t cracked yet to play the female roles on stage. Guys dressing up as girls to act roles or do stage shows is not new! Why does every outraged modern person simply go through life blinkered to history?

[@BlackStudies]

There are a few drag queen story hour events where I'm at -- just outside of San Diego. A lot of folks in the (mostly religious) community lost their shit. I spent hours on the Nextdoor app arguing with people over it. Among all the other things you mentioned, one of the other terms prominently tossed around was, "indoctrination." Yes, the religious community was concerned that children were being _indoctrinated_ with some sort of agenda...let that sink in!

[@BlackStudies]

... regarding the holy water, it just goes to show that religion is just as much performance art as Drag Queen Story Hour.

[@kellydalstok8900]

@@BlackStudies Jesus wore a dress 2000 years ago, and so do priests today.

[@j.c.5528]

So glad they had politicians standing up against them. Here in America, few politicians have the guts to stand up and condemn these hateful fools when they try to shut down similar events at public libraries.

[@CraftyVegan]

As a parent of 4, I’d take all of ‘em to drag story time… I’m actually a little upset that we don’t have any drag storytimes near me 😭

[@LiIGremlin]

Emma, i just wanted to say, thank you so much for making these videos. You have helped me so much during hard times💜

[@bethanythatsme]

I hope life feels lighter soon

[@cathyharrop3348]

The fear is that the children will become tolerant of others, which would be so "unchristian" ;-)

[@lanceolson5988]

There's a drag event scheduled in my town in the USA at a theatre that has "Children's Theatre" in the title, and a bunch of Conservative locals are making a stink about it. It's not even a children's event, and just because that theatre has "Children's Theatre" in the name doesn't mean they don't host adult events such as the Evil Dead musical that happened a few years ago. Bunch of nonsense from the locals in question.

[@DeathEatsCurry]

According to their logic, we should see a lot more out of season mall santas.

[@lordofuzkulak8308]

In addition to panto, and before we had Mrs Brown’s Boys, when I was a kid in the 90s, we had Lily Savage on prime time tv here in the uk, and I don’t see the entire (male) millennial generation having turned into gay drag queens because of it, so that further blows the argument that seeing drag acts will turn kids gay and into drag queens themselves. And even before then, variety shows like The Two Ronnies had the male leads playing female characters and were a fixture of prime time family entertainment in Britain. The Holy Water thing - my best guess is that it’s the whole pop culture thing from tv/film of using Holy Water to exorcise things/people/places of demons/evil/etc; although I’m fairly sure it doesn’t actually work like that (well, aside from the fact that it won’t work full stop as it’s just water), and for it to be ‘effective’ it needs to be used by a priest and has specific rituals/chants/etc that have to be performed, not just pouring it out (it’s probably not even actual Holy Water - more than likely it’s just some tap water she drew herself that she said some Bible verses over). Regarding your comments about how bigots are employing the same tactics, language, etc against transfolk as was previously used against other minority groups - makes you wonder how many bigots actually hate a specific group and how many are just so full of hate that they direct it at whatever is a convenient target and will just redirect it elsewhere whenever their current target is no longer convenient/viable.

[@ziploc2000]

I grew up watching Carry On movies with Charles Hawtrey and Kenneth Williams, It Ain't Half Hot Mum with Bombardier "Gloria" Beaumont, and Are You Being Served with Mr. Humphries, all characters that were clearly very camp and different, even to a pre-teen. I'm glad that nowadays society is (generally) more open and welcoming to everyone, whatever their race, color, creed or gender expression. It's the mad bigoted religious fundamentalists who don't understand Jesus' message of love and equality. Fortunately their attitude is actually turning younger generations off religion altogether.

[@lordofuzkulak8308]

@@ziploc2000 don’t forget Lt Gruber in ‘allo ‘allo, and Frankie Howard.

[@ziploc2000]

@@lordofuzkulak8308 and Larry Grayson and Liberace.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

And every Christmastime for at least 100 years we've had Panto in our theatres with 2 cross-dressing actors (one Male, one female). I'd bet many who oppose drag artistes reading books to kids while go and enjoy Panto every year.

[@lidbass]

Just as a side note, the writers of Are You Being Served (and Inman himself) have gone on record as saying that Mr Humphries was absolutely not gay. In fact on a number of occasions he shows heterosexual traits, obviously played for laughs. It’s probably more correct to say that he was bisexual, but tending more to the homosexual side. Nevertheless, I agree with the main point here, that gay characters in mainstream television programmes have not caused the majority (or indeed any minority!) to become gay. I would strongly recommend researching Julian and Sandy in the BBC radio programme Round The Horne for more great subversive gay characters!

[@JoeBurgettMusic]

A good example for Americans is to look at Tyler Perry's Madea character. Someone who connects to SEVERAL Christians in this country, especially in the South. All of Perry's movies have also tried to connect to those who dealt with or currently deal with various issues. From racism to domestic violence. Madea comes across as manly, considering Perry himself plays the character and is a large human being. But it makes the character even cooler and most see her as a "her" without any problems. Somehow, drag story time is different from this?!? HOW?!? lol

[@Valley0fDeath]

That’s actually a great example, my super-bigoted mother loves Madea movies

[@MEGATONHAMMA]

Que? There are plenty of people who shun Tyler Perry tho. Tyler Perry movies are important for inclusion, but many hotep types(pseudo black conservatives) use Tyler’s work to justify attacking queer people, especially queer poc.

[@desperadox7565]

Tyler Perry is a Christian though. What's his stance on gay people?

[@johngagnon5148]

Don't forget Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire. The movie concludes with Robin (Mrs. Doubtfire) staring in a children's show where she reads stories to the children...

[@JoeBurgettMusic]

@@desperadox7565 Perry is pretty vocal about his support of many people, including gay people. As he feels it would be hypocritical to shun them while also asking that people treat black people equally. Which is fair IMO.

[@dragonmystik9120]

By this logic we should also forbid guys dressed in santaclaus or related costumes around christmas. Or any other costumed person... Sic

[@lidbass]

I know of at least one born again who thinks that Santa is evil and should be banned.

[@rhaeven]

Santa fits the definition of a groomer MUCH better. Establishes a long term relationship with kids by giving them gifts at regular intervals, very sus 👀

[@normanhumble257]

I really believe that some people need to hate, maybe their parents didn't love them enough or there in a bad relationship or they are just not nice people, so any excuse to sow a little hate around. I'm 72y/o and British comedy was something that could always make me laugh and a great deal involved men dressing as women as in Monty Python as one example, but some people never grow up and want to be bullies. (Sorry for the rant) Love Your Videos

[@robertmiller9735]

"Stay away from our children" makes sense if you remember they think they own everyone's children.

[@alangarland8571]

I'm UK born with some Irish ancestry, and have been settled here in county Clare for around 30 years. I'm also an atheist but not very vocal about it. Things certainly are changing here, I'd say that about 50% of under 40s are atheist now, or at least they are not committed church-goers.

[@statusdisarray9598]

I live over a drag bar and am in the safest part of a big city! We also have in this area Drag Bingo for the elder homes ..where the Drag Queens wear their finest and go play bingo with the elders! Seriously where most things flop with lots of complaining I heard that there was never an empty seat and everyone had fun! So much energy why cant a kid have a drag queen as a role model ? Damn the make up and outfits are incredible

[@henriroggeman7267]

I'm always delightfully blown away by your down-to-earth analytic brain. With you all the way.

[@Chewievette]

Thank you for covering this! I did not know drag story time was a thing and I will now seek out such an event to take my kids to! *protest backfired!*

[@Doctor.T.46]

Have these people never seen a pantomime, especially Widow Twanky. Also, in early Shakespeare plays males played all the parts...even the female parts.

[@AlbertonBeastmaster]

Yup! Women weren't allowed to perform in the theatre... so Romeo and Juliette would have been a romance played out on stage by two men.

[@Doctor.T.46]

@@AlbertonBeastmaster Absolutely right. So what's their problem. It's clearly homophobic.

[@tezatheboffin2184]

I remember going to pantomime in the early 80's and there were always characters in drag playing Aladdin's mother or the evil step sisters in Cinderella or something. This is no more sinister than Widow Twanky FFS.

[@TheHorrorDevotee]

Love how no one had a problem with Shakespeare back in the 1500s - even though there were no actresses, so all female parts had to be played by men, i.e. a very thriving drag culture. Are we not more socially advanced than Londoners in the FIFTEEN HUNDREDS?!?!?!?!

[@OtseisRagnarok]

I've heard the argument that the parents don't want it to be accepted because they don't want their worldview to no longer be the dominant one. The inverse of the whole exposure breeds acceptance thing.

[@rhaeven]

That's exactly it. I've had quite a few brief arguments with people that have basically gone "Even if the drag queens aren't grooming the kids, what's the point? Why does it have to be drag queens?" "To try and teach kids that people are different from each other and that's not bad, so they don't grow up to be gay bashers, etc." "They're too small to understand any of this stuff, let kids be kids!" "No, the opposite is true. Being taught when they are small means they're more likely to be accepting as they grow up." "Just leave our kids ALONE" They just want the opportunity to program their own prejudices into their kids before reality gets in first.

[@saladiniv7968]

if you are confronted with new information you can either learn and grow as a person or shut yourself off and try to stop others from learning. most people will do the former but sadly some will choose the later and those are normally the most vocal ones.

[@drunkentriloquist9993]

Speaking of Drag, Dover Pride today ♥️ Amazing, pure love to LGBTQ+🌈

[@Gamefan86]

🤢🤮 🏳️‍🌈---->🔥

[@daguard411]

Years ago, while my youngest Son was still in Elementary School, my Wife was invited to such a book reading at his school. When I asked her how it went she said that she had no idea who the Lady was until she started to gather the kids in the library and started the session. She was dressed as professionally as the staff was, and the only difference my Wife noticed was that she had really long eyelashes. She did her best to involve the kids as much as she could in telling the story, pausing to have selected ones act out portions of the book, and the kids absolutely ADORED the entire situation. When concluded, my Wife said that everyone, parents and kids, gave a Standing Ovation.

[@tyresw1381]

Being a trans woman, it was very funny to hear you cautiously say "I think many straight cis men are afraid to date trans women because they think it will make them gay". I'm just sitting here thinking "Is this just not the baseline presumption for this discussion??" Good work as always

[@jz-meister5343]

First off, “Cherry on Top” is a WONDERFUL drag name 🤣👍 Other than that, it is such a shame that people can be so hateful towards someone who just wants to read to children and teach them that being different is okay.

[@theotherworlddream1]

I'm not claiming it's right, but I do understand the idea. Obviously it is not grooming, but these adults are prejudiced against the LGBTQ community in general. And what is probably going through their minds is simply this . . . They do not want their children to be aware that trans or people in drag exist. If the idea enters their minds then they might start to like it and that terrifies the adults. But if they're never introduced to the idea then there's no chance of them ever liking it or deciding to go down that road. Keeping the children in the dark, keeps the children walking down the path that the adults want them to. And it helps the parents and guardians "groom" their children into the same prejudicial people that they already are. That's right, this is another instance of people accusing others of doing what they are doing themselves. It is the parents and guardians who are grooming and their children to hate The LGBTQ community as much as they already do. I believe it is often about the fear of the unknown and that which is different. For many the very idea of the LGBTQ community makes them extremely uncomfortable at best and violently opposed at worst. However, I believe every new generation from the dawn of time has desired to separate and distinguish themselves from the previous generation. It is a means of claiming that they are different and special because of it. It is the source of rebellion to want to stand out and away and create bonds with like-minded people of the same age, to say as a whole we are persecuted, but as a whole we can stand tall and prevail. A prime example of this is Elvis's new brand of rock and roll. Elvis is embraced nowadays but back when he was just getting started many older generations saw him as oppressive and some even downright satanic, leading their children down a dark path straight to Hell. I know it seems ridiculous now, but that's how many people thought back then. It's the same thing all over again today, just with the LGBTQ community in the line of fire instead of good old rock and roll. And for the older generations, sometimes the only way they can combat that new and terrifying influence is to shield their children from the very knowledge that it even exists. Because their children can't desire to be something that they don't even know exists. It's not right and it never was, but there it is in black and white, plain and simple. Things that are new terrify those who are set in their ways, but everything new attracts the younger generation like magnets to a tank or moths to an inferno and oftentimes especially because their parents hate it. In other words, the harder the parents fight it, the more their children desire it.

[@rhaeven]

Yep, nailed it. Some parents want to decide who their children are, others want to find out who their children are. So if you see society changing in ways that mean your kid might not accept your "programming" and someone tells you that the people doing it are pure evil, then it's probably quite easy to convince yourself.

[@ComradeRachel]

If they were really against grooming then they need to protest at the churches where most children actually get assaulted.

[@daphnetilling6034]

I would love to know the statistics in the UK and worldwide of grooming and abuse done by drag queens versus religious leaders (and in hindsight political leaders), I did a brief google and there were plenty of articles of the religious leaders but only 1 involving a drag queen (admittedly this was only a brief look) so why are these parents against grooming protesting outside of churches, seems far more appropriate to me if that is grooming they are truly protesting about

[@lauragoodman7296]

My only problem with drag queens is that I need to find one to befriend because I suck at makeup and they are just too amazing. I need to find one to share knowledge!

[@Shorti_drag]

It’s simple, if you don’t think your kids should be around drag don’t take them. No need for the hate. Drag queens are some of the most accepting and loveliest people you’ll meet. We’re just expressing ourselves through our art.

[@j.c.5528]

If only more folks understood that.

[@roiaknin]

I've been waiting for a video! Thanks so much for doing these. I've been having a rough time emotionally lately, and your videos feel like a little sanctuary.

[@mikes.8732]

It's great to have people like you to discuss these kind of issues! I think that you explain these with great clarity and understanding, much more than what you'd usually hear in popular media!

[@515aleon]

Just like it's not about bathrooms, it's not about drag performers, or anything else it's not about. It's all about homophobia, transphobia, and racism (in most cases).

[@EmilyCouturiere]

I think most homophobia and transphobia is just ignorance and fear being passed down in generations. I was born and raised in a cult and as a small child I was taught that trans/gay people were all pedophiles. I was also taught that being gay or trans was a result of being molested and in turn they wanted to molest others. As a child I was terrofied of the lgbtq+ community because it was all I had ever been taught. Only through thorough research after I escaped was I able to properly educate myself and understand that I was lied to. I later helped to educate my mom and she was shocked that it wasnt true. That's what her parents taught her in the 70s. She just never bothered to question it. I think if most of these bigots just sat down and talked to trans and gay folks they would realize they are just people trying to be happy. Nothing is wrong with them and they aren't bad for wanting to be their authentic selves.

[@Kim_Miller]

My wife and young son and I lived in England for the years when he was aged 5 to nine. For those years we went to the annual Panto in the city and found the whole thing hilarious and good fun. I can't remember our son even making any comment about the Dame and the Boy being in drag. And no matter how camp Buttons was each year he never once wanted buttons all over his clothes. Since returning to Australia we've come across drag in all sorts of places, often hosting weekly pub trivia nights. In the city of Broken Hill (featured in the movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert) there is a famous drag queen named Amanda Screetly - say it out loud. I love drag names. And all Aussies are proud of giving Dame Edna Everage to the world.

[@kellydalstok8900]

Priscilla is one of my favourite movies

[@1pierrr]

"Ireland has a complicated history between Catholics and Protestants..." bit of a subtle understatement there Emma! Hi from the other end of the Commonwealth.

[@duanewilkinson9739]

Emma thank you so much for highlighting Transphobia and bigotry about Drag Story Time …. Am so horrified that Matt aka Cherry On Top has been receiving death threats , it is sad than religious bigots can’t accept people being themselves …. Keep up your fab work Emma and to Cherry I say don’t stop doing what you do , Drag Story Time Is awesome !!

[@lindatheheathen]

I love drag story time!

[@Gamefan86]

🤢🤮

[@3wok0nacid17]

@@Gamefan86 nonpoint

[@nurthenthurmpson4851]

I do really appreciate the way you cover these types of stories, as someone who has recently started their transition, I can't always listen to them or read them by myself because it can be just hard to do, but this way I can still be aware of how groups are acting against us, and I know these protesters were there saying they're against drag queens but to them any gender non conformity is abhorrent

[@sdnikko8960]

Every year there is a pagan holiday that is celebrated at malls across America with a stranger in Santa drag who bribes kids with the false promise of presents to sit on his lap.

[@laurencius415]

Holy water is fantastic for fighting the undead. The undead and cats. Well, cats mostly. I know from personal experience.

[@Doctor.T.46]

Thank you Emma for highlighting another problem in our so called enlightened society. As long as we have religion, we will have bigotry.

[@shanekeefer40]

My former church hosted a drag story time as one of the choir performers was also a drag queen. My first ex, on the other hand, was a fascist and very bigoted towards queer people. He was also becoming increasingly non-religious. So the absence of religion will not eradicate bigotry, nor is bigotry inherent to religion. Bigotry is a lot more complex subject. Bigotry is pervasive in certain religious communities, grant it, but that is not always inherent to the religion itself. Many religions emphasize the need for acceptance and fighting inequality. I think of Sikhism in particular. We need to be careful with blanket anti-religious rhetoric as it can actually lead to other forms of bigotry such as xenophobia and racism.

[@erstwhilegrubstake]

Religion is inert, the problem lies with humans.

[@Doctor.T.46]

@@erstwhilegrubstake But people act the way they do because their religion tells them to...therefore the religion is far from inert, its the root cause.

[@Explodington]

@@Doctor.T.46 I think people find a religion or interpretation of a religion that allows them to do whatever it is they already wanted to do. Looking for someone to tell them their opinions back to them. If there were no religions, some other group would take their place. Folks got biases that need confirming.

[@Doctor.T.46]

@@Explodington There are many reasons why adults turn to religion, your suggestion is certainly one of them.

[@oldedwardian1778]

Yet millions of children are GROOMED EVERY DAY, but they are GROOMED BY RELIGIOUS PREACHERS. So that’s OK.

[@tabub.xavier7142]

It makes me so happy to hear the positives of how it went- with the opposition to the protesting and general public acceptance over the actual event. Yet so upset that its literally 2022 and we as a society still have to fight and deal with things like death threats, general misinformation and actual opposition with hatred over something as simple as existing with the message that its ok to be different as long as one isn't harming anyone or anything else.

[@joachimschoder]

If I am wrong about this please let me know but as far as I know: - There is absolutely nothing in the bible that outlaws men putting up a dress, a wig and makeup - Wearing mixed fibers and getting tattoos is outlawed in the same book that is the main source of anti homosexual claims by Christians. But there hasn't been a single case (again: As far as I know) where fundamentalist Christians demonstrated in front of a tattoo store or a fashion store for violating biblical law. So they are adding and removing stuff from the Bible. Assuming for a second the Christian god is true wouldn't he be pissed about that?

[@kellydalstok8900]

A very christian tv presenter in The Netherlands has an enormous cross tattooed on his back.

[@TomofOregon56]

I loved the comparison to turning kids into bears!

[@davidschneide5422]

"Leave our indoctrinated kids alone."

[@VetsrisAuguste]

In my career as a ballet dancer, I was often cast in roles which are intended to be performed “en travestie”. The term refers to cross-gender casting. In classical ballet, certain characters like step-sisters, wicked witches and goofy old ladies etc. are traditionally portrayed by male performers. Similarly, in opera the principal soprano is often “disguised” as a man or portraying a male youth. While this kind of artistic choice may not be crucial to the successful telling of the story, you can be assured that when a storyteller does take that route, they are doing so in order to take advantage of the gender ambiguity. There are times when particular aspects of a character’s humanity can only be brought to the surface when the viewer is asked to see that character in an unexpected way. These character details which might otherwise go unnoticed then become more prominent and thus more revealing than they would have otherwise been. Another side effect of cross-gender casting is that it allows the character to be relatable to both sides of the gender spectrum. Some examples of roles from the wider popular culture which were created to be performed “en travestie” are: Mary Martin/Sandy Duncan/ as Peter Pan, Divine/Harvey Weinstein/John Travolta as Edna Turnblat, Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire, Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria, Dustin Hoffman as Tootsie, Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis in Some Like it Hot. There are more examples im film and television, but classical theater, opera and ballet have hundreds.

[@justinwatson1510]

I think they have us confused with vampires; I spent some time Catholic before losing my faith entirely and holy water never did anything to me. I also wonder if grooming might be projection on the part of the people making the accusation against the drag queens; it's such a specific and bizarre accusation that I doubt would occur to most people unless it was something they were already thinking about.

[@seandevine3695]

This is a real danger. When I was a kid, my parents took me to see Jurassic Park, and now I identify as a velociraptor.

[@GoCoyote]

It is always puzzling to me the contradictions of people who get angry and are threatened by people who just wish to exist harmlessly with their own differences. Many people who wish to live their lives with their own differences could care less if you live your life in any way you see fit, as long as the way you do so is respectful of others. Celebrating your culture does not take away other peoples culture, as long as one does not use the celebration as cover for attacks on others.

[@desperadox7565]

Emma: "You're not turning children into bears." 😂😂😂😂😂👍

[@kieranpicken3696]

Oh God I do voices when reading bedtime stories to my daughter. I hadn't realised I was grooming her into becoming Tiffany Aching. I hope it's not too late!

[@rhaeven]

Clearly grooming her to believe in flat earth! ;)

[@veelogation3890]

@@rhaeven Flat disc perhaps :P

[@isthatthetimealready]

I’m a little bit older (45) but from the UK. EVERY children’s telly presenter was like Phil and Holly are now, as far as double entendres go (gets the sexualised talk in front of children/grooming out of the way) Wee got taken to drag story time every year in primary school (grade for Americans) except they were called Pantomimes back then. I would posit that kids are more in danger with people who suppress their sexuality because a book tells them so, and I’m pretty sure that won’t be proven wrong when we look at the numbers

[@MeteoBahamut]

Another wonderful message! Also, the structure of this video is amazing, I love it!

[@johnnyrepine937]

Serendipitous timing with your video. I went to the Akron, Ohio, Pride march today. I'm not sure why it's in August, but it gives the community one more chance to celebrate and be themselves in a public place. Yes, there were protesters, all four of them, that's twice as many people as were protesting bedford's Pagan Pride last weekend. No, it wasn't the same guys. Although they did have the same store bought signs about f**s burning in hell.

[@j.c.5528]

I used to live in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Our Pride was in October. *shrugs?* Glad the protestors didn't spoil the day!

[@johnschneider7835]

15:26 holy water is also used in exorcisms to drive out "evil spirits". It is sprinkled over the area that is being exorcised to "cleanse it of evil"

[@grell5108]

Y'know, I think I now understand what a previous neighbour of mine did. This messed up, religious old lady threw water on me and my cat and told me to get out. Of course I did so as soon as possible. So technically, I think it worked? 😂

[@kellydalstok8900]

“Holy” water, because it’s still H2O

[@madjock-hy7th]

"Holy water is rusting me" a wise man once sang! It is of course the big lies most folks tend to believe...

[@Sunny-ek8sx]

the thing is theyre not scared of drag queens hurting their kids, theyre scared their kids will realize its ok to be gay and express yourself any way you want

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Jesus would be down the pub, quaffing a few pints with his mates.