In a distressing turn of events, a scheduled Drag Queen Storytime at the San Fernando Library in California was abruptly halted on Wednesday due to protests led by far-right anti-LGBTQ+ groups. The demonstrators, numbering fewer than 60, gathered after a social media campaign initiated by groups such as Gays Against Groomers California, CA State Coalition, and Leave Our Kids Alone.
The protesters, displaying signs and wearing t-shirts bearing the slogan ‘Leave our kids alone,’ blocked both the front and rear entrances to the library. This confrontational situation eventually led to the San Fernando Police escorting the featured drag queen reader, Pickle, to her car, forcing her to leave the venue. Pickle, previously recognized as the City of West Hollywood’s inaugural Drag Laureate, became the focal point of the disruption.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who had planned to host the event, expressed her disappointment in a statement. She condemned the protesters’ actions as “disgusting tactics” and decried their attempts to incite violence as “astounding” hypocrisy. Horvath apologized to the affected families, Pickle, and the library staff, emphasizing her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community and their continued fight for rights and equality.
Following the event’s cancellation, far-right extremists celebrated their perceived victory. Gays Against Groomers California gloated on social media, claiming that “DRAG IS NOT FOR KIDS.”
Gays Against Groomers, one of the protesting groups, has faced significant controversy for its stance against what they perceive as the “sexualization and indoctrination of children.” The Anti-Defamation League has labeled them an extremist hate group, and they have been associated with other extremist entities like Moms for Liberty and the Proud Boys. The group’s legal troubles also escalated when a Wisconsin school district obtained a temporary restraining order against one of its leaders.
Despite the temporary suspension from Instagram, Gays Against Groomers later regained access to the platform, raising questions about content moderation policies and the extent of their influence. The division within the group, including the resignation of a co-founder, highlights the complexities of navigating far-right extremism and its evolving alliances.
This disturbing incident in California underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in their pursuit of inclusion and acceptance, even in the face of opposition from far-right elements.