Coquitlam library cancels drag story time due to safety concerns
Posted October 13, 2023 4:55 pm.
A drag story time event planned for a Coquitlam Public Library branch has been postponed due to Canada-wide protests scheduled the same day.
In a statement on social media, the library says its Oct. 21 event will be pushed back citing public safety concerns.
“Coquitlam Public Library is dedicated to providing a safe space for people of all ages, orientations, genders, religions, and nationalities. Though we are saddened by having to change our event, we are extremely grateful for the words of support from our patrons and community members and look forward to providing more inclusive, engaging, and welcoming events in the future. Thank you for your continued support and use of the library,” the library said.
The Coquitlam RCMP confirms to CityNews that it consulted with the library, with the branch ultimately deciding to postpone the event due to “a Canada-wide event” planned for the same day.
“During the consultation process regarding public safety, police resources, and simultaneous community events that are scheduled on the same date at the same time, the Coquitlam Public Library ultimately decided to postpone the drag queen story time,” said Corp. Alexa Hodgins.
While police and the library did not specify what event was being cited, the group “1 Million March 4 Children,” which was behind anti-SOGI 123 gatherings seen last month, is planning another demonstration on Oct. 21.
Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA Selina Robinson says it’s unfortunate that the story time event had to be postponed and that a small minority of people with discriminatory views has become more vocal.
“It’s very disappointing,” she told CityNews. “The fact that these anti-SOGI folks can hate so much that we need police.”
Robinson says she’s attended drag story times at Coquitlam libraries in the past, including one earlier this year that saw protestors and counter-protests gather outside.
“To me, it just says that this is about hurting people and it’s wrong. It just makes me very sad that we have people in the community that think this ought to be shut down,” she said.
However, the MLA acknowledges those opposed to the event are in the minority.
“I do believe fundamentally that most British Columbians, most Canadians, are inclusive and are compassionate and celebrate our diversity and take pride in that. And I think there’s a small sub-group that’s always been there that’s more vocal and more likely to act on their homophobia,” she explained.
“I do look forward to a time where we can have drag queen story times that doesn’t require protestors or counter-protestors. That it’s just families taking their kids to a theatrical, a fun library event without having to worry about needing police there.”
The library has not announced a rescheduled date for the story time event.
