The controversy over Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) in Nevada continues.

After incidents like the mayor of Sparks speaking out against the event in his city and protestors gathering outside Green Valley Library in Henderson, now another Henderson public library is in the crosshairs.

The latest event was at Gibson Library on Oct. 5. In the lead-up to it, one of the readers spoke with KTNV.

“In Vegas there’s not a lot of opportunities for queer people or drag queens to do a project like this,” said Matthew Durski, who performs under the name Polly Porcelain. “And as soon as I heard about it, I was like, oh my gosh, that’s such a great opportunity and I knew I had to do it. Where else am I going to get that opportunity?”

But Durski’s enthusiasm is not shared by all. In fact, opponents have claimed that DQSH is not appropriate for young children. Some have even gone so far as to target the associated drag queens on social media.

“I got like a bunch of hate messages,” said Durski. “Death threats!”

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But DQSH’s history and mission refute its opponents claims. 

The New York-based nonprofit began sponsoring these readings in San Francisco four years ago, and since then they’ve taken place across the country. Meant for kids ages three to eight, local drag performers typically read three to four children’s books during DQSH. Describes the group’s website:

DQSH can also be life-changing and ultimately life-saving for LGBTQ kids and teens, kids with LGBTQ parents or family members, and anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests or who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the broader culture.

After the initial protests at the Green Valley Library, Henderson Libraries issued a statement in support of DQSH.

Diversity Divas, a drag queen story time, has been scheduled to celebrate and support the diversity that exists across individuals and families in our community.

What’s more, DQSH has been possible at Henderson Libraries as a direct result of the public library system’s commitment to hosting more LGBTQ programming. 

The Green Valley Library protest was organized by MassResistance, which the Southern Poverty Law Center categorizes as a hate group.