Dear Editor,
Re: "Protesters mar family-friendly drag queen event in park," News, July 28
As part of its annual Pride Week celebrations, the Hamilton Community Centre has proudly hosted the Drag Queen Story Time for the past three years. As in previous years, children participated in the event with the full knowledge and consent of their parents.
The Hamilton Community Association Board is appalled by the protest that disrupted the Drag Queen Story Time on July 25 at Hamilton Park.
Fortunately for the young children in attendance, Bryan Bone aka Miss Gina Tonic, and our community centre staff were able to keep the attention of the children on the books, and the protesters’ actions did not appear to interfere with their enjoyment of the reading.
While the signs carried by the protesters purported to be against hate, the only hate at the event was brought by them. While their signs protested fascism, the only fascist views present came from them.
Like other neighbourhoods in Richmond, Hamilton is a diverse and inclusive community.
We fully support — and will continue to support — Pride Week and the Drag Queen Story Time and greatly appreciate the attendance of Miss Gina Tonic and everyone else at the event.
Dick Chan
President, Hamilton Community Association
RICHMOND
