Members of a female-only butch biker group, the Wind Sisters, stood outside of a library in Parkhill, Ontario to defend a family-friendly drag queen story time event from anti-LGBTQ+ protestors. The event was organized by Strathroy Pride and local group, Rainbow Optimist, to promote inclusivity for LGBTQ+ families and allies. However, dozens of protestors attempted to block the library entrance, forcing family members to be escorted in by the organizers.
During the event, members of the Wind Sisters reportedly linked arms to prevent protestors from entering the premises. The group, which has thousands of members across northeast America, including in the US and Canada, promotes itself as a place where young bikers can “connect and ride together.” The butch bikers explained that historically, their role in the community has always been one of the great protectors, and they wanted to come and show protection and help the community celebrate all of their inclusivity.
Efforts by members of the group to protect the local drag event came from their own hardships growing up without any opportunities for LGBTQ+ representation to flourish. The Wind Sisters member Patricia Ginn explained, “As a young tomboy, when I came out, there was nowhere for me to go. I was born in a small town in Quebec, and it was a scary time for us, so we just hid in the closet. We didn’t come out to big events like this.”
Other members of the LGBTQ+ community in the area, including Strathroy Pride organizers and the Rainbow Optimist, joined the group to protect families against protestors. Members who surrounded families to protect against the protestors said having to do so was “unfortunate,” especially for the children in attendance. Strathroy Pride director Frank Emanuele said, “I feel for the children who had to walk through that. We want to be supportive to everybody that’s brave enough to come to these events.”
Despite the pushback from anti-LGBTQ+ activists, Strathroy Pride aims to host a number of Pride events across the year. Past events have included a family dance and ice skating sessions designed to promote inclusivity for LGBTQ+ families and allies. The Wind Sisters and other members of the LGBTQ+ community have demonstrated that they will continue to stand up for their rights and those of others.