Boston Danvers Anti-Drag Protestors Drowned Out By ‘A Wall Of Love’

When the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers first announced its May 10 ‘Drag Makeup For Teens!‘ program with drag artist Miz Diamond Wigfall, the library received several emails and messages pushing back on the event.
Days later, the two-hour-long, 18-person educational makeup program had transformed into a battleground for two sets of protesters. By 5:30 p.m., around a dozen or so protesters had arrived outside the library to speak out against the event. Hundreds showed up in support of it. Library Director Noelle Boc told Boston.com, the makeup lesson did not include anyone in drag. Rather, the program was taught by the Salem-based Wigfall, who showed roughly 20 teenagers how to apply theatrical makeup.
While most of the responses the library received were in support of the event, some comments on social media and emails called for people to arrive at the library to protest the event.
As anti-drag messages increased, other organizations and individuals independent of the library, like the North Shore LGBT Social Network, began the process of planning a counter-protest. On the day of the program, supporters arrived on the street outside the library in rainbow attire with makeup and signs.
Miz Diamond Wigfall, told Boston.com. “We kind of just planned to make sure there was a wall of love outside.”