The author of a children's book says that "deep-seated bigotry" and "MAGA extremists" are to blame for canceling his book launch and Drag Queen Story Hour event in Mobile.

Threats and growing tensions caused the event, which was meant to highlight Josh Coleman's book "Finding My Rainbow," to be postponed. Coleman's book tells his story of coming out, growing up, and moving to Birmingham, focusing on Pride and living authentically. 

Cancelation Due to Threats and Backlash

Coleman, the LGBTQ representative for the City of Birmingham, wrote on Facebook that the event that was supposed to happen at Books-A-Million (BAM!) had to be canceled because threats kept coming back and got worse. Coleman said that BAM! decided to stop the event for safety reasons, but a spokesperson for the company could not be reached for comment.

This rejection came after Oyster City Brewing pulled out as a host because of threats. "Mama Tot," an Alabama TikTok star, was supposed to be at the event at the brewery, but she also pulled out. The book launch events faced opposition from what Coleman described as "MAGA extremists," particularly targeting events involving children. Coleman condemned the threats and harassment, emphasizing the importance of public events for fostering a love of reading and teaching values of inclusion and respect. 

He expressed on Facebook that the attacks had crossed a threshold, noting the ongoing hostility and mistreatment he was enduring, which he attributed to entrenched societal racism. Coleman said that the movement against the event has made them more determined to tell their stories and support acceptance.

Darren Sweeney, who planned the protest against the event, said he was not a radical and his group had no problem with people living different lives. However, he said they were against letting kids participate in these kinds of events because they wanted to protect the kids' innocence.

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Ongoing Struggle for Acceptance

The issue in Mobile is similar to a larger pushback in conservative states against drag queen events with kids. Rep. Arnold Mooney has proposed HB4, a measure outlawing drag events in public venues frequented by minors. This measure would forbid such events at colleges and libraries.

The current strain differs from six years ago when Mobile's library system held one of the first Drag Queen Story Hour events in the South with almost no problems. Coleman clarified that these events are not meant to groom or target children but to support literacy, acceptance, and diversity in a safe space.

Coleman is still determined to hold the event again in Mobile, even though it had to be canceled. According to BAM!, the show was canceled because of serious threats against singer Ophelia "Mama Tot" Nichols and her family. 

Despite facing different levels of opposition, Coleman has held several book launches across Alabama. He talked about how important it is to be seen and get help from the community to fight bigotry. Coleman said he does not make any money from the book but wants to use it to raise money for LGBTQ groups.

He emphasized the significance of standing up to hate as the debate continues. He wants to move the event to a different time and place with private security and police to stress the need for community support and visibility. Even though there was a backlash, Coleman and his supporters are still dedicated to spreading acceptance and inclusion through events like Drag Queen Story Hour.

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