Photo Essay: Drag Story Hour Showdown in Ohio

CHESTERLAND, OHIO – APRIL 1: Inside the empty Community Church of Chesterland, where Drag Queen Story Hour takes place, on April 1, 2023, in Chesterland, Ohio. The heightened security at the church, which was reportedly firebombed only days before the event, comes on the heels of a recent spike of anti-drag demonstrations in Ohio communities and across the country. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Cleveland SWAT officers observe the surrounding area on top of Element 41, a restaurant holding an 18-and-over drag brunch to raise money for a local church’s safe space program, on April 1, 2023 in Chardon, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Two members of the clergy hold signs in support of the drag brunch, on April 1, 2023 in Chardon, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

A member of the white supremacist group Patriot Front, left, and a protester with a Confederate hat holds a banner while voicing opposition alongside various Christian groups. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

The white supremacist group Patriot Front marching and chanting “Better dead, than red,” while leaving the town square. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

An anti-fascist counter-protester guards the entrance of the Drag Brunch restaurant. Many of the black-clad anti-fascists openly carried weapons and canisters of Mace. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

An ax handle and protective armor at the feet of an anti-fascist. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Praying hands of two protesters. One is wearing a Celtic Cross, often associated with extreme right-wing movements, and the other holds a rosary. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

A man denounces homosexuality, professing that “America needs to get straight again.” (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Law enforcement inspects a vehicle before entering The Community Church of Chesterland’s Drag Queen Story Hour. Against police advice, the pastor refused to cancel the event. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Abortion clinic escorts walk families into The Community Church of Chesterland’s Drag Queen Story Hour. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

The singed door and sign of The Community Church of Chesterland that was firebombed a week before. The culprit was caught and reportedly admitted he bombed the church to stop the Drag Story Hour from happening. If convicted, the perpetrator will face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Drag performers walk to a back entrance before entering The Community Church of Chesterland’s Drag Queen Story Hour. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

A drag performer reads a children’s book at The Community Church. (Photo by Michael Nigro)

Transgender rights are now the latest issue being politicized and attacked across the country. This anti-fascist’s sign speaks for many of the counter-protesters. (Photo by Michael Nigro)