Location of upcoming Ohio Drag Queen Story Hour vandalized by Molotov cocktails; church fundraising for security

The Community Church of Chesterland, the site of an upcoming Ohio Drag Queen Story Hour, was vandalized by Molotov cocktails on Friday evening in an attack that also destroyed the church’s sign.

The attack left minimal damage to the northeast Ohio church and left no injuries as the building was unoccupied at the time.

The church has reported the incident to the local law enforcement officials who are investigating the incident. Despite the minimal damage, the church is taking extraordinary security precautions ahead of the planned protest scheduled for April 1 and services will resume as scheduled.

The church has a history of supporting and hosting drag events successfully and peacefully. However, the recent political climate around anti-trans legislation has emboldened hate groups to use inflammatory and dangerous rhetoric, which has led to violence in some cases.

The recent behavior of hate groups in Wadsworth, Ohio, along with news of a protest in Geauga County hosted by groups like the Proud Boys, has prompted the Church and event organizers to take additional security measures to ensure the safety of everyone ahead of the Drag Brunch and Story Hour on April 1.

Armed Nazis, white supremacists swarm LGBTQ+ drag event in Wadsworth, Ohio

According to April 1 event organizer Mallory McMaster, the president of The Fairmount Group, a Chardon-based firm that produces LGBTQ+ and social justice events, the safety of their guests and the safety of those who come to legally exercise their first amendment rights are of utmost importance.

“We don’t want people to panic and we don’t want people to feel unsafe,” said McMaster.

McMaster and church officials are working with multiple law enforcement agencies and private security experts to ensure a safe environment for the upcoming events. McMaster said that the response from law enforcement agencies has been one of the most robust and coordinated multi-agency efforts in the area.

“Our goal here is to make it clear to these protest groups that we will not allow them to steamroll public gatherings,”McMaster said. “If we let them be enabled and empowered here, then what happens at the next one?”

Church officials say that the vandalism and threats have only strengthened their resolve to continue their efforts to support the whole community, especially vulnerable populations.

“Every time someone tries to scare us back into the closet, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do,” shared Meg Carver, social justice and outreach chair for the Church. “Young people, trans people, closeted people… anyone suffering from ongoing oppression deserves to know that there are people out here who will do hard things for them. By standing strong in the face of these attacks, we’re telling the community we serve that we’re there for them no matter what. We will never abandon them, we will never give up, and we’re with them every step of the way until this gets better.”

Despite the threats, local residents want to make it clear that the actions of some protesters do not represent the community as a whole.

“I feel so welcome here,” said McMaster, who both lives and works in Chardon. “It breaks my heart that this is what people are going to think of Chardon and Geauga County because this does not reflect us.” 🔥

Ignite Action:

• The Church is raising funds to pay for extra security measures in the coming weeks, with a goal of $10,000 for security guards and barriers. Donations can be made at http://tinyurl.com/protectdrag.