Protesters force cancellation of LA County Drag Queen Storytime.
A Library Storytime Featuring a Drag Queen in San Fernando Canceled Amidst Protest
A library storytime for children featuring a drag queen in San Fernando, a suburb of Los Angeles, was canceled Oct. 25 after dozens of protestors blocked entrances and shouted at participants.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who organized the event—featuring the drag queen known as Pickle—said protestors pounded on doors of the San Fernando Library, shouted obscenities and slurs at her staff and library workers, and used strollers to block vehicles.
“What was meant to be a celebration of love and inclusion turned into the opposite,” Ms. Horvath said in a lengthy post Wednesday night on X, formerly Twitter. “These disgusting tactics and efforts to incite violence prevented Pickle and Library patrons from even entering the building.”
The county supervisor apologized to families who she said were excited but could not get into the event, which was planned “as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.”
During the protest, demonstrators chanted, “Leave our kids alone!” while standing outside the library. One used a megaphone saying, “No pervert pedophiles are going to train our kids to be perverts like you.”
Several San Fernando police officers responded to the protest and stood between demonstrators and the entertainer.
The same group demonstrated at Ms. Horvath’s library storytime in Sherman Oaks last April, which also featured Pickle, according to the San Fernando Sun.
Pickle, who was named West Hollywood’s first Drag Laureate in June, did not respond to a request for comment.
According to a video posted on the drag performer’s Facebook page, Pickle is an organizer with the L.A. chapter of Drag Story Hour, an international movement in over 40 cities across the world. During library storytimes, Pickle reads books to children, generally on progressive topics, such as inclusion, gender identity, and queerness.
One of the books is “Aalfred and Aalbert” by Morag Hood about two male aardvarks who find love, Pickle said in a January 2020 video on the Facebook page.
One of Ms. Horvath’s constituents responded to her social media comments about the drag storytime Wednesday, saying it was a misuse of public funds.
“As a gay man in your district, I’m disgusted by your incessant pandering,” wrote the constituent on X, formerly Twitter. “Not only is it a misuse of public funds to hire drag queens for your own entertainment, it’s appropriating a product of gay nightlife culture that kids should not be exposed to.”
San Fernando police told the local newspaper the department was advised of the protest, and around 10 officers were dispatched to the library, along with a few Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies.
No violence was reported and police made no arrests at the demonstration, according to the San Fernando Police Department.
What are the arguments made by supporters of drag queen storytimes and why do they believe these events promote inclusivity and diversity?
Do residents expressed their disapproval of the library storytime, claiming that it was inappropriate for children to be exposed to drag queens. Some argued that it was an attempt to sexualize young minds and promote an agenda that goes against their values and beliefs.
On the other hand, supporters of the event argued that drag queen storytimes are meant to promote inclusivity and diversity. They believe that exposing children to different forms of expression and identity from a young age helps foster acceptance and understanding. They also pointed out that drag queens are often role models and entertainers who have a positive impact on their communities.
This incident in San Fernando is not the first of its kind. Library storytimes featuring drag queens have faced backlash and protests in other parts of the country as well. These events have reignited the debate on how children should be exposed to different perspectives and ideas.
While it is essential to respect different viewpoints, it is also crucial to remember the purpose of these storytimes. They aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their background or identity. Drag queen storytimes can play a significant role in challenging stereotypes, promoting creativity, and teaching acceptance.
It is understandable that some parents may have concerns about exposing their children to aspects of the LGBTQ+ community at a young age. However, it is crucial to approach these concerns with an open mind and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to protests and aggression.
Library officials and event organizers may also consider implementing measures to address concerns and ensure that these storytimes are transparent and inclusive. This could include providing information about the content of the event beforehand or holding separate storytimes for different age groups. This way, parents can make informed decisions about whether or not to attend with their children.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the library storytime featuring a drag queen in San Fernando due to protests highlights the ongoing debate surrounding these events. While it is essential to respect differing opinions, it is also crucial to create safe spaces where children can learn about inclusivity, acceptance, and diversity. The issue calls for open and respectful dialogue between all parties involved, as well as the implementation of measures that address concerns while maintaining the integrity and purpose of these storytimes.
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