The Chaska store that went viral over plans for a drag queen story time drew hundreds of supporters to the event Saturday, waving rainbow flags and signs as they outnumbered a smaller group of protesters.
Supporters flock to Chaska kids store for drag queen event
A smaller group of protesters also showed up at Little Roos in Chaska, but the scene stayed peaceful at the store, which saw a customer's tirade against a drag queen visit go viral on TikTok.
July 8, 2023 at 9:04PM
"I was just here to read stories to kids and spread a little LGBT love in Chaska," said the blond drag queen, who goes by Miz Diagnosis — real name Dobbs DeCorsey of Chaska — and posed with fans for photos in a pink-and-gold dress and matching eye shadow.
Miz Diagnosis read two books to the dozens of people — mostly parents and young kids — packed inside the Little Roos boutique, one about a manatee searching for his identity, the other called "The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish."
Many in the crowd heard about the reading after a TikTok video of a woman angrily confronting staff at Little Roos went viral, garnering millions of views.
"I thought it went phenomenal," said Little Roos owner Marissa Held-Nordling. "I don't think we could have had a better turnout."
The event also drew about 55 members of the Proud Boys, a right-wing extremist group. They held banners and signs reading "Drag Story Hour = Child Grooming" and "Drag Queens are not for kids" while shouting similar messages to the crowds gathered in and outside the store.
"We're not here for any hatred. ... We simply believe that children are not the right age for this material," said a Proud Boy who gave his name as Mark Ninevah.
Held-Nordling said she regularly holds story time events, including some featuring princesses and other costumed characters, and planned this one about eight weeks ago. An employee's child is part of the LGBT community and inspired the performer's visit, she said.
The store carries handmade kids' clothing, toys, games and books. Held-Nordling, who has two small children, started the business more than four years ago; she moved to the current location a year ago.
Genny Hubert drove to Little Roos from Coon Rapids with her 12-year-old child, Zoey.
"We support all rights, everyone's rights," Hubert said.
Held-Nordling said a handful of people had visited the boutique to protest the planned event. But she said the store has seen far more support than opposition since the TikTok video surfaced.
Held-Nordling said she thinks the woman who posted the video learned about the reading on Facebook and stopped in to share her opinion.
In the video, the woman says she thinks the event is inappropriate and "sexual-based adult entertainment for children."
Among the crowd Saturday were members of Sequeerity, a Minneapolis-based security team owned and run by queer women of color, according to its website.
Ellen Hock, a Rosemount mom of two young daughters, said she saw the TikTok video and wanted to show her support.
"The LGBTQIA community and everyone should be treated with love and respect, and it's important that our kids grow up in that kind of society," Hock said.
Christopher Straub, author of one of Miz Diagnosis' selections, "Albert the Confused Manatee," stood nearby in a small white tent selling copies of his book and stuffed animals.
"I'm a big fan of drag," said Straub, who suggested a book signing after being told Little Roos carries the book and needed more copies. "Drag brings joy. ... I have to show my support and show my love."
