A small town in Maine is facing backlash after a drag queen with a cheeky name performed in front of children at town hall for its first ever pride event this weekend.
The announcement of Sunday’s event in Windham, a rural community of about 18,000 people outside of Portland, drew criticism from many residents in the weeks leading up to the event, WGME reported.
A dozen letters were submitted to town officials earlier this spring that argued that drag performances were not family friendly and indoctrinated kids.
Others voiced concerns that the drag performances would draw threats and, although police investigated and found no credible threats, organizers decided not to have drag performers participate.
However, at the last minute, a drag queen who goes by “Letta Dicken,” stopped by to join in the festivities.
Letta Dicken, who danced and sang in a rainbow colored dress, boasts that she is “Maine’s # 1 Plus Size Drag Queen,” according to her Instagram account.
Ultimately, the pride event went off without protests at the event, according to WGME.
“We’ve had [pride events] in Portland for a very long time and to have them go to communities outlying Portland is absolutely stellar,” volunteer Jennifer Curren told the station.
“You know kids need support throughout the whole state of Maine, not only for kids, but I see many older couples here coming in thanking us for having safe spaces for the community,” she said.
