Nelson Public Library is now speaking out about the week-long campaign that saw a story time featuring a drag performer reading stories to kids cancelled, following threats that made the administration fear for staff and participant safety.

It was after announcing the event on social media that a campaign rife with homophobia and misinformation ignited the rage in comment sections around the West Kootenay region. The campaign appears to have been influenced by a video posted by a local woman who falsely claimed the event went against the Criminal Code and library policies by entertaining a sexually charged environment geared toward children, encouraging locals to contact the library.

The cancellation follows a trend of threats and attacks against similar drag-themed performances in public venues in recent years, driven by frequent claims of the LGBTQ-movement using the performances as a way to groom minors.

The news of the cancellation and hate campaign also triggered protests locally. An alternate story time and protest is being organized outside city hall at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

LISTEN: "We stand with the library staff" – Nelson Library administration speaks out about hate campaign against drag story time: