Counterprotestors arrived early for the anti-drag protest outside of The Brewmaster's Taproom in Renton on April 12. Some were families, moms and dads with little kids who ran around with rainbow flags, while others were on their own, standing watch. Many were brought there due to a singular image: a virtual call to action that found its way onto the Facebook feeds of Renton residents. "THIS IS NOT INCLUSION," read the post. "THIS IS AN ASSAULT ON CHILDHOOD."

The poster stated that the action would occur at the family-friendly taproom when it hosts its monthly children's story time, read by local drag queen Sylvia O' Stayformore.

"Drag queens will be performing in front of children – inside a bar that serves alcohol, CBD, and Marijuana products," stated the poster. "WE MUST TAKE A STAND."

This was not the first time the business had been targeted. Sammi is part of a a volunteer security team that guards the front of the taproom whenever Sylvia is reading to the kids. Sammi dresses in black garb, yet they break from their stance and perk up to embrace familiar faces, and kindly welcome kids at the front door.

Sammi said there was an issue in 2022, the remnants of which still remain, gesturing to a bullet hole, whose resulting cracks been deliberately left in the glass, contextualized by a paper sign that reads: "THIS IS WHAT INTOLERANCE LOOKS LIKE."

An impromptu arts and crafts group naturally sprouted up by the bar, enjoyed by the adults rather than the kids, who were too busy making a fort of umbrellas outside.

The kids were excited by their first-ever protest, and worked with their parents to make signs. Sharon, with a moms' group, asked one of the kids, Ezzy, to read their sign out loud. "Love is a terrible thing to hate!" he excitedly said.

As a mother of five, Sharon said bringing her children to drag storytime is more educational than harmful.

"I want [my kids] to see everything, get a chance to see the arts, diversity, different perspectives," she said. "We have close relatives who belong to the Trans community, the LGBT+ community. I want my kids to see them as part of everyday life."

Sylvia started storytime with a book of smiling faces, called Someone Just Like You. With a poignant, rhythmic voice, she read aloud: "Somewhere in this world, there is someone just like you. Perhaps one day you'll meet them? They would love to meet you too!"

Renton Councilmember Carmen Rivera (D-2), told the SGN on social media, there was but a single anti-drag protestor. The strength of The Brewmaster's Taproom and Renton's LGBTQIA+ community and allies showed that those that love far outnumbered those that hate that day.