Despite public pushback, a zoo in Montana has announced it will host a so-called “family-friendly” Drag Queen Story Hour because it “prides itself in being inclusive of all living beings.” American Family News reports ZooMontana, a 70-acre wildlife park in Billings, is hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour event on June 22.
In a recent Facebook post, Jeff Ewelt, the zoo’s executive director, wrote: “406 Pride is a respected and valued community asset, one we are proud to support and host at ZooMontana. While personal threats and threats of no longer supporting the Zoo are concerning, we will not let unwarranted fear and hate deter our decision to move forward with this harmless and fun reading event that is held throughout the country.”
Pride 406, an LGBTQ+ organization, is sponsoring “Billings Pride 2022,” a series of pride month events scheduled in the city from June 20-26. Posted to the group’s website is the schedule for the Drag Queen Story Hour at ZooMontana on June 22.
“Want to come hang out with some Drag Queens while they read awesome books and then go check out the zoo for reduced admission? Then this family-friendly event is for you! From 12-4 pm, ZooMontana is generously offering $4/person admission for those who attend the Drag Queen Story event – just give the password “Fierce!” the website reads.
But in response, several members of the Billings community have said they will never visit or support the zoo again due to its decision to host a gender-bending event that’s aimed at children.
“Why are we putting such a contentious issue right in the heart of that area?” Jenna McKinney, the founder of Billings-based Montana Family Rights Alliance, asked during a telephone interview with MTM News. “This is not appropriate. We really don’t appreciate this in our community and especially at this venue,” McKinney said. “To put something like this in the heart of a place for small children is just wrong,” she added.
