A children’s boutique in Chaska, Minnesota, has found itself at the center of a heartwarming story of resilience and community support. Little Roos, known for its selection of toys, books, and handmade clothing, has recently faced opposition from a vocal minority over its upcoming drag story time event. However, the boutique’s owner, Marissa Held-Nordling, has been met with an outpouring of support after sharing videos on TikTok documenting the backlash.
The controversy ignited when a video captured a woman berating employees at Little Roos about the scheduled drag story time event, which is set to take place on July 8. The video quickly gained traction on TikTok, amassing over 10 million views and 750,000 likes. In the clip, the woman, claiming to be a lawyer, threatened to involve the city council and enforce an ordinance against the event. Despite the opposition, Held-Nordling remains steadfast in her commitment to inclusivity.
Held-Nordling explained that the boutique regularly hosts free events for children, including story time sessions during the summer. In an effort to represent the LGBTQ community and diversify their story time lineup, they invited Chaska local Miz Diagnosis, a drag queen, to read stories during the upcoming event. Despite facing a handful of haters, the boutique has received overwhelming support from the local community.
Chaska Mayor Mark Windschitl dispelled the claim that the drag story time event violates any city ordinance. He confirmed that the event is in compliance with regulations, further validating Little Roos’ commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all. Local news affiliate WCCO also confirmed the absence of any city ordinance prohibiting drag performers from engaging in such events.
The controversy has served as a catalyst for unity, as the boutique continues to receive an outpouring of support and love from both neighbors and communities surrounding Chaska. The anticipated crowd at the upcoming event is expected to be significant, prompting the boutique to organize outdoor activities for those unable to secure a spot indoors. This inspiring story showcases the power of community solidarity and the triumph of inclusivity over adversity.