Protests against Peace Church hosting drag bingo

(ABC 6 News) – What was meant to be a family-friendly event, turned into a heated protest.

Dozens of people gathered to protest the Peace Church in Rochester to voice their frustration about a drag event going on in a church.

For over four hours, protestors stood outside the church, blasting music and heckling those who decided to attend the event.

The protestor’s main concern was to protect children from being exposed to explicit and sexual content. Claiming that drag shows are “too sexual” and are “corrupting the youth of America.”

One of the drag queens emceeing the event, Ms. Anita Tiara says this show was specifically designed to be family-friendly with no sexual or explicit language.

Ms. Anita also says there is a lot of misconception when it comes to drag shows outside of pride week and the downtown scene.

“It’s like when you go to the movie theatre.” Ms. Anita said. “Sometimes there are G rated shows, sometimes there are R rated shows.

We’re having a G-rated show and we’re providing entertainment.”

Members of the church also stood out in a counter-protest before the event started.

Rochester police responded to one report of protesters in bulletproof vests carrying rifles making threats toward people entering the Bingo events.

Public information officer Amanda Grayson said the group dispersed as RPD officers stood by.

No property damage was reported Saturday.