Bristol Democrats Statement on the Cancellation of Drag Queen Story

Hour

Bristol, Rhode Island -- Rogers Free Library announced earlier this week that it had cancelled a
scheduled “Drag Queen Story Hour”, stating that Bristol didn’t seem “ready” for such an event, and
that it “may be something more diverse communities can appreciate”. The Bristol Democratic Town
Committee is extremely disheartened to see the exclusion and silencing of our LGBTQ+ neighbors,
especially as we enter the month of June, which is Gay Pride Month. This type of discrimination runs
in direct contrast to the library’s stated mission of inclusivity and community, and in opposition to our
shared Democratic values. It also runs counter to our town’s deep patriotic commitment to our
country and the rights of all people. Drag Queen Story Hour is an event that takes place at libraries
across the country and has been under attack by homophobic groups and individuals since its
inception -- that kind of bigotry has no place in this community.

Town Council Vice Chairman Timothy Sweeney said, “It is my understanding that this program
teaches children to look beyond stereotypes and to celebrate the diversity of the world. We should
celebrate diversity and not fall victim to bullying. We are better than this. Bristol is better than this.
The library should reinstate the Drag Queen Story Hour.”

Sweeney’s husband and Chair of the Democratic Town Committee Erich Haslehurst added, “Drag is
a form of self expression, artistic expression, as well as entertainment. How fun that drag queens
wanted to bring the Drag Queen Story Hour to Bristol! I am sad that the community that has always
accepted me as a gay man would allow the voices of the bigoted few to prevent this event from
happening.”

Senator Walter Felag expressed his disappointment, stating, “I stand in support of our LGBTQ+
community members. My wife and I have attended many Pride parades over the years as well as
events such as the Imperial Court Ball and the Gay Pride Talent Show earlier this year. Our friends
who identify as LGBTQ+ contribute to the diverse tapestry of our towns, and should be recognized
and welcomed in all of our public spaces”.

Bristol Town Councilor Aaron Ley added, “Libraries are meant to expand our minds in ways that
allow us to discover the beauty and diversity of the world around us. They open new frontiers for
discovery and serve as sanctuaries to people from all walks of life. That is why I am disappointed in
not being able to attend this event after we decided as a family to attend it. The decision that was
made to cancel this event does not accurately reflect the sentiment of our community or the mission
statement of the library and so the event should move forward as scheduled.”
Senator Jim Seveney remarked, “Libraries must embrace diversity. They are centers of
enlightenment, helping us to better understand and celebrate our differences. Bristol is already well
along this path to inclusivity, and Rogers Free Library needs to keep pace with the community it
serves.”

“Libraries are the main square in the marketplace of ideas, places where freedom of expression
should be at its fullest. The cancellation of the Drag Queen Story Hour is a form of censorship that
has no place in Bristol Rhode Island, or in the United States of America. Members of the community
who are bothered by the event can exercise their freedom not to attend but have no business
denying others their right to participate,” said State Representative June Speakman.

State Representative Susan Donovan expressed her dismay as well: “I am deeply disappointed and
disturbed by this decision. We cannot allow the voices of prejudice to prevail. This is precisely the
sort of event that is critical to fostering an attitude of acceptance of diversity. The library's decision
does not accurately reflect the values of the majority of Bristol's residents. ”

The Bristol Democratic Town Committee joins with our elected officials and stands in full solidarity
with members of the LGBTQ+ community, on the occasion of Gay Pride, and throughout the year.

We want to make it clear: all are welcome here.

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