After facing backlash on social media, for cancelling a drag queen story hour in Regina, the Regina Public Library is trying to set things right – assuring that the only reason the event was cancelled – was a scheduling conflict.
In a statement released to 620 CKRM Regina Public Library Director and CEO Jeff Barber says:
In a statement released to 620 CKRM Regina Public Library Director and CEO Jeff Barber says:
“The statements captured in texts posted online don’t reflect RPL’s commitment to working with Drag performers and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We’ve hosted Drag Storytimes in the past, and plan to do so again this fall as part of our upcoming programming cycle.”
Barber continues with – “We were in contact with a Drag performer to arrange a Storytime. We host thousands of programs each year, and they are sometimes re-arranged, postponed or canceled. This was one of them, and we regret how it felt to the performer and how it is affecting community.”Drag queen story hours have come under fire recently, fuelled by the belief that exposure to drag is somehow harmful to children. With drag queens facing protests and violence in places right here at home in Canada.
Barber’s statement concluded with: “the library is for everyone. Inclusion and support of intellectual freedom are core values at RPL”
