Matthew Kerner holds “Drag Queen Story Hour” for children at old North Buckhannon United Methodist Church.

NORTH BUCKHANNON — On Saturday, Opportunity House Director and unsuccessful candidate for the House of Delegates Matt Kerner (D) held a “Drag Queen Story Hour” at the old North Buckhannon United Methodist Church.

The event featured drag queen Sadae Spears portrayed by Dannie Stiles, reading Prince and Knight, which is a book that caused controversy this month after being discovered in the Upshur County Public Library. The book features controversial LGBT content that many local parents find as being inappropriate for children. Additionally, Stiles read an additional book, Maiden and Princess, which provides the same theme as Prince and Knight, except portrays lesbians. Both books were authored by Daniel Haack.

The event was organized by Buckhannon Pride, a local LGBT activist organization, in association with the Opportunity House.

“Storytime tonight was a success!” Buckhannon Pride announced in a statement. “Thank you to all who came to support this event and a special thank you to Matt Kerner and Opportunity House for allowing us to use the space.”

The event was held at the Opportunity House’s 47 Cleveland Avenue location. This property was acquired by Kerner’s organization in 2016, after the United Methodist Conference refused to relinquish the property to North Buckhannon UMC church members and financers. The property sold for $1,000.

The Opportunity House’s Drag Queen Story Hour was attended by approximately 8 children.