CINCINNATI (WXIX) – Coterie Lounge and Cafe in West Chester is facing backlash online ahead of a drag queen story hour planned for this week.<\/p>\n
Owner Ghiovanna Lora said the backlash caught her by surprise. She said she has hosted drag events before and never received negative feedback like this until now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was a little nervous and I was really upset just for the simple fact that even behind a keyboard I couldn\u2019t fathom speaking such hateful words to anybody,\u201d Lora said.<\/p>\n
Event details<\/p>\n
Lora said after hosting multiple drag shows at her cafe, she wanted to try something different: A drag queen story hour set for April 16 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. featuring Hamilton-area performer Roxie D. Mocracy.<\/p>\n
During the event, Roxie will read to children. Lora said drag queen story hour has been happening in libraries and community spaces where people can gather, feel welcomed and enjoy a shared experience. She said the event is not just for children \u2014 adults are invited too.<\/p>\n
Online criticism<\/p>\n
Online criticism followed a post from Darbi Boddy, CEO and founder of Access Ohio, a nonprofit focused on what it calls \u201cpreserving traditional American values.\u201d<\/p>\n
[Watch more from FOX19 NOW]<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cGiven what we know about pedophilia today in our country and in the world today only the most disgusting and depraved could actually support an event like this and you have to be a complete sicko and that\u2019s my job and I exposed it,\u201d Boddy said.<\/p>\n Lora responded to the criticism.<\/p>\n \u201cShe should probably educate herself on that cause there\u2019s no affiliation between the two there\u2019s actually more pedophiles in higher ranking positions in this country than in stages with makeup and dresses on,\u201d Lora said.<\/p>\n Lora said the event is family-friendly \u2014 meant to create a positive learning environment and teach children to be kind and accept everybody.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know there\u2019s nothing more hateful than sexualizing and perverting children,\u201d Boddy said.<\/p>\n Lora said those who are uncomfortable do not have to attend.<\/p>\n \u201cIf she doesn\u2019t like the event or doesn\u2019t feel comfortable with her children attending the event she just shouldn\u2019t come the same for anyone who doesn\u2019t feel comfortable,\u201d Lora said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe type of person supporting this type of behavior is sick and a pervert and disgusting and we don\u2019t want that in our community it does not belong here in West Chester,\u201d Boddy said.<\/p>\n Lora said most of the response she has received has been positive. Tickets are sold out and she said she plans to notify police ahead of the event for safety.<\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n