A big crowd turned out last Wednesday for drag queen Brittany Lynn’s first appearance at Fox Chase Library.
But while Brittany Lynn was there to read to preschoolers, adults filled the library, at 501 Rhawn St.
A number of people made it clear leading up to the event that they weren’t happy that the city was paying a drag queen to read to youngsters.
Twenty or so people either protested peacefully outside or prayed inside.
About the same number of adults showed up to support Brittany Lynn and librarian Allegra Dambruoso, who arranged for the drag queen to read. Dambruoso said she couldn’t remember how much Brittany Lynn was paid, but according to a Free Library of Philadelphia programming list, Brittany Lynn receives $300 to $400 for appearances. Since Brittany Lynn traveled from South Philadelphia, it’s likely she got $400.
City Councilman Brian O’Neill met with Free Library director Kelly Richards in an attempt to cancel the appearance, but was unsuccessful.
The crowd was bolstered by library officials and security. Police civil affairs and the 7th Police District were outside.
Only seven kids attended. A couple were attentive and a couple sat in adults’ arms, while the others played with toys.
Brittany Lynn read seven books, which were generally not controversial. Titles included Giraffes Can’t Dance, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, The Pout-Pout Fish and The Little Old Lady Who Wasn’t Afraid of Anything.
There were some groans when she pulled out The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish, a take on the popular nursery rhyme The Wheels on the Bus. ••
