FALL RIVER — Hundreds of supporters and families with children turned out to the first-ever Drag Queen Storytime at the Fall River Public Library on Saturday morning, an event to kick off June as Pride Month in the LGBTQX community.

Despite opposition, it was a peaceful — and popular — event.

Library-goers filled the meeting room and hallway and spilled out the door. In order to accommodate everyone, drag queen Naomi Chomsky offered three separate readings to allow everyone to participate.

“Today is about the children and celebrating diversity,” Chomsky told the press before storytime.

She said having inclusive events in bigger cities is important, but maybe even more critical in smaller municipalities like Fall River.

“It’s definitely important. Gay people live everywhere,” Chomsky said. “You shouldn’t have to move to the big city (to feel included). No matter who you are, you’re somebody who deserves love and respect.”

A police presence, both uniformed and in plain clothes, was on the scene inside and outside the library.

Sgt. Mike Digagni said it was better to have “too many and not need them, than not enough.”

Library Director Liane Verville said she had a lot of support from her Board of Trustees and Mayor Jasiel Correia II in holding the event, despite protesters.

“I’m ecstatic,” Verville said. “I’m so glad they came to support the program. It shows Fall River is diverse.”

Opposition came from the Massachusetts Family Institute, a nonprofit Christian organization based in Worcester, represented by local members of the Baptist Temple Church and its pastor Michael Johnson.

The group peacefully protested and prayed outside the library. It did not participate in a sit-in to keep children out of the event room as had been planned.

“We know righteous wins,” Johnson said. “Kids are innocent.”

Johnson said the group was not there to hate, but rather open lines of communication with the LGBTQX community to teach them God’s way.

“We’re trying to bring about a consciousness,” Johnson said. “Leave our kids alone ... if you’re going to indoctrinate them that this is an acceptable lifestyle.”

Chomsky, a bit nervous about the turnout, was dressed to the nines in a jade green cocktail dress and sparkling jewelry with lilac hair and full make-up.

She said it was important to teach children inclusiveness by reading stories that bring home those values.

And she said playing dress-up was fun. “So much fun and completely harmless.”

Chomsky said she received a “lot more support than non-support. It’s a win for the gay community.”

City resident Katie Goldman said “there’s no room for hate.” She said the storytime was a great idea. “I think it’s fabulous. No one’s trying to indoctrinate anyone or drag them down.”

Shelly Toolin of Fall River said her son is gay, so she felt it was important to support the event.

“It hits close to home,” Toolin said. “Why can’t people be the way they are?”

A group of youngsters, all of Rhode Island, made their own T-shirts Friday night to wear at the event and show their pride.

“I think it’s wrong that people are protesting,” said Madison McKinney, 13. “It’s a public library.”

Another youngster, Jenna Weiffenbach, said: “I believe others should not force their opinions. These are little kids who want to to come to the library to hear a princess read a story.”

Casey Fredette, director of Forever Paws, brought his son Darwin, age 3, to storytime.

“I wasn’t going to miss it,” Fredette said. “Events like this are phenomenal.”

After the reading, Shylah Cuttle, 10, wearing a unicorn headband and sparkles beneath her eyes, colored a paper crown cutout in the children's room.

“I thought it was really cool,” Cuttle said. “I love when people do this.”

Her mom, Kelsey Cuttle, said she brought her daughter to teach her “openness so she understands pride. I thought it was amazing. Lots of love was shown.”

Naemi Chamorro attended with her three daughters, ages 4, 8 and 10.

“The girls enjoyed it,” Chamorro said. “They just enjoyed the story.”

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.