December 1, 2023 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Protestors Block Drag Queen Pickle from Children’s Story Hour at California Library

Cancelled Event Amidst LGBTQ+ History Month Celebrations Sparks Controversy

By Dolores Quintana

Pickle, the Drag Queen Laureate of West Hollywood, was prevented from reading at a Drag  Queen Story Hour at the San Fernando Library was scheduled for October 25. 

Around 50 demonstrators gathered at the San Fernando Library to oppose the event titled ‘Drag Queen Storytime,’ which was organized to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month. Pickle was supposed to lead this event alongside the 3rd District Supervisor, Lindsey P. Horvath. Unfortunately, due to protestors obstructing Pickle from entering the library, the event had to be abruptly canceled.

Footage of Pickle’s entry denial circulated on social media, showing the drag queen surrounded by police officers as protestors vocally expressed their dissent. The video appears to have been posted by one of the protesters, Siaka Massaquoi. The LA County Library had initially described the event as a ‘fun drag story time’ intended to share stories promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

San Fernando Police Lieutenant Pete Aguirre informed The San Fernando Sun that they had prior knowledge of the protest and had dispatched officers, along with County Sheriffs. Their primary objective was to prevent any assaults or injuries.

Aguirre stated, “Their primary objective [was] to ensure no one got assaulted, no one got injured. And in that end, we were successful. Secondary to that was opening the thruway to ensure people could get in and out.” Despite protestors unlawfully obstructing a public space, Aguirre confirmed that no arrests were made, and no violence occurred. The police seemed unwilling to do anything to stop the protesters from blocking the entrance or escorting Pickle through their blockade.

The protest was organized by a group called Glendale Parents School District Voices, which posts videos from a woman, Aneta Krpekyan, who is a candidate for the Glendale School Board Candidate in Area E and encourages their followers to donate to her campaign. It’s not clear who is behind this Instagram account, but the only link on their profile is a donation link for  Aneta Krpekyan’s campaign. 

Pickle’s Instagram account posted this message yesterday, “I won’t lie. It’s been a tough week, BUT the highlight was working with @bobbakermarionettes and getting to be a part of some puppet magic!”

in NEWS
Related Posts

Ladytron’s Surprise Gift: ‘All Over By Xmas’ Drops, Unveiling a Festive Classic Decades in the Making

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Liverpool’s Electronic Pioneers Deliver a “Majestic Glam Stomp” for the Holidays By Dolores Quintana At the stroke of midnight, Ladytron,...

Los Angeles County to Open CARE Court One Year Earlier Than Planned

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Program Seeks to Solve Mental Health Crisis Among the Unhoused By Dolores Quintana In a collaborative effort led by Los...

Alarming Surge in Hate Crimes: Los Angeles County’s Troubling Report Reveals Disturbing Statistics

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Report Reveals Alarming Trends and Urgent Need for Action By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations...

Sutton Stracke To Host The Abbey’s 14th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Commemorate World AIDS Day and Raise Funds To Help Those in Need By Dolores Quintana Decking the Halls with heartfelt...

(Video) Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Via Veneto, a classic Italian restaurant with real ingredients and delicacies from Italy. You can tell that the restaurant is...

Esquire’s Culinary Picks: Unveiling the Best New Restaurants in Los Angeles for 2023

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

Esquire Magazine Spotlights Most Memorable New Eateries  Esquire Magazine has released its year-end lists of the best new restaurants in...

Westfield Century City Unveils Enchanting 25 Days of Christmas Festivities

November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

A Winter Wonderland With Festive Delights at Westfield Century City By Dolores Quintana Even though it’s only the week after...

Silencing Classrooms: The Alarming Surge of Educational Gag Orders Across U.S. States

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

PEN America’s Report Unveils Disturbing Trends in 2023 Legislation By Dolores Quintana Mostly conservative lawmakers all over the United States...

Bloomsybox Challenges Christmas Movie Fans to Rate Hallmark Christmas Movies

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Applicant Chosen Will Receive Prizes and Cash Worth $2,500  By Dolores Quintana A flower delivery company, Bloomsy Box, is challenging...

Attorney General Rob Bonta Advises Californians to Exercise Caution Giving Tuesday

November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

Tips and Resources Ensure Safe Donations Amid Rising Threats By Dolores Quintana Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the...

Bimbos Theatre Company and Student Committee for the Arts Host Drag Event

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

UCLA Charity Drag Showcase Unites Students for LGBTQ+ Advocacy By Dolores Quintana On November 28th at 7 pm, the UCLA...

Major Cantaloupe Recall Expands: Brands, Stores, and Products Affected

November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

Cantaloupe Products Linked to Ongoing CDC Investigation in 28 States By Dolores Quintana In an expanded recall from the FDA...

USC Forecast Predicts Rising Rents and Commercial Real Estate Financing Struggles

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Report Sparks Concerns for Real Estate Development in Southern California By Dolores Quintana  The University of Southern California’s Lusk Center...

Historic Transition: The Abbey Food & Bar Changes Ownership in West Hollywood Landmark Deal

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Entrepreneur David Cooley Forges Agreement to Sell Iconic LGBTQ+ Venue By Dolores Quintana Entrepreneurs David Cooley and Tristan Schukraft have...

James Whale’s Former Estate, Home to the creator of “Frankenstein,” Hits Market at $7.245 Million

November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

Iconic Tuscan-Style Villa, Restored to Old Hollywood Glory, Offers Breathtaking Views in Los Feliz By Dolores Quintana A majestic Los...