Posted on Jul 1, 2019
While WorldPride Rolls, 2 LGBTQ Events Are Canceled Due To Safety Concerns
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As thousands gathered in New York City for the world's largest LGBTQ celebration, some other events across the country were unable to proceed due to threats and safety concerns.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Jacksonville Public Library in Florida both canceled events that celebrate LGBTQ pride scheduled for this weekend.
In the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library saw a threat posted on Reddit and decided to cancel its Drag Queen Story Hour, an event the library has hosted a number of times in the past with no problem.
The Jacksonville Public Library planned to host a "Storybook Pride Prom" last Friday and provide a safe space for LGBTQ teenagers. The sold-out event was canceled following protests and threats, according to the library.
Both libraries apologized for the cancellations and ensured they would create programs in the future that promote diversity.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Drag Queen Story Hour will not be presented this Saturday," reads a statement from the Carnegie Library's website. "CLP is proud to join other libraries around the country to offer programming to families that explores diversity and encourages empathy, kindness and understanding. We look forward to resuming story hour next season."
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Jacksonville Public Library in Florida both canceled events that celebrate LGBTQ pride scheduled for this weekend.
In the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library saw a threat posted on Reddit and decided to cancel its Drag Queen Story Hour, an event the library has hosted a number of times in the past with no problem.
The Jacksonville Public Library planned to host a "Storybook Pride Prom" last Friday and provide a safe space for LGBTQ teenagers. The sold-out event was canceled following protests and threats, according to the library.
Both libraries apologized for the cancellations and ensured they would create programs in the future that promote diversity.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Drag Queen Story Hour will not be presented this Saturday," reads a statement from the Carnegie Library's website. "CLP is proud to join other libraries around the country to offer programming to families that explores diversity and encourages empathy, kindness and understanding. We look forward to resuming story hour next season."
While WorldPride Rolls, 2 LGBTQ Events Are Canceled Due To Safety Concerns
Posted from npr.org
Threat
LGBTQ+
Pittsburgh
Jacksonville
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
CPT (Join to see) Good Question but not the First time I've heard of Violent Right Wing Folks on Reddit threatening People. Despite the Progress since the Stonewall Riots there is Still a Long Way to go to Ensure LGBT Rights.
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CPT (Join to see)
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel when people learn the adage, “live and let live!” We will ALL be better off! The golden rule never hurt anyone. :-)
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I don't think it's appropriate for a man dressed up like a woman or vice versa, should be reading to kids. Then you have to explain to kids what drag queens/king's are and other things also. Not a child appropriate event.
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I lived in Jacksonville Florida for 12 years and they are very intolerant of non 'normal' groups. IE anyone who doesn't follow what would be 'traditional' American values. My neighborhood was highly Republican, highly Christian, highly judgemental, and very volatile. LGBTQ doesn't do well there despite proximity to better tolerance in places like Orlando. In Orlando I didn't feel unwelcome. In Jacksonville I do. Pardon my forbidden topics but I feel reasons behind these cancellations are due to fear and prejudice with good reason.
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