Monterey County Republican Party calls for peaceful protest over Drag Queen Story Time

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Monterey County Republican Party (MCRP) says that they are once again "condemning" the City of Monterey and Public Library over sponsoring Drag Queen Story Time, this time, calling for a peaceful protest against the reading Wednesday night.

“Prepubescent children shouldn’t be exposed to sexualized programming. It’s grooming,” said Brian
Higgins, Political Director of the Monterey County Republican Party. “As a taxpayer-funded institution,
the Monterey Public Library should never endorse sexualized entertainment for young children.”

KION currently has a reporter on scene at the storytime and will be updating this story as more information comes in.

Drag Queen Storytime draws the ire of the Monterey County Republican Party calling for its cancellation

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) - A drag queen storytime event planned for next week in Monterey is stirring controversy and sparking strong opinions across the community.

The event, hosted by the Monterey Public Library in partnership with Monterey Peninsula Pride and Oscar’s Playground, is scheduled for June 11 and features a drag performer named Saint Sallos.

Organizers say it’s meant to celebrate Pride Month and create a more inclusive space for families.

“Drag is a form of art. And representation for people in the community. And so with that, this is not about, promoting sexuality or providing anything like, you know, that level,” Brian Edwards said.

But critics argue the event sends a mixed message.

“The venue is a children's venue, and then we have storytime and then we have drag queen attached to it. Those issues all combined, it's really giving the mixed issue a mixed signal,” Karina Powers said.

Saint Sallos will be reading two books at the event: C Is for Country by Lil Nas X and ’Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick. Organizers say the storytime is free and open to all ages.

“We want to celebrate all people in our community and make sure we have an equitable library and a community where everyone feels that they can belong,” Brian Edwards said.

Some opponents argue the public never had a say in how the event was planned or what books would be featured.

“The books that was selected, there was never gone through the the protocol of city council or or for the public, the taxpayers to really understand the books that are being pushed through on these events,” Karina Powers said.

Others in the community view it differently, saying attendance is voluntary and that people should have the freedom to choose what events to attend.

“Look, it's a free country. You know, if you don't want to be exposed to this, you don't have to come,” Luke Dill said.

Still, critics say public resources shouldn’t support what they consider controversial programming.

“Whenever there's using any tax funding, I think that should be more with the public being involved and understanding what's going to be read,” Karina Powers said.

According to the Monterey Public Library, the event did not use additional taxpayer funds and was organized without involving the city council, which is standard for most library programming.

Organizers also say the drag performer was selected by Pride organizers specifically with experience working with children, and that the goal is simply to create a space where people feel welcome.

“This is about promoting an environment where everyone feels seen, everyone feels they can be their true selves,” Brian Edwards said.

One concern raised by critics is the timing of the event, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on a Wednesday.

“Probably a lot of parents put their children to sleep at 7 p.m.. That's the time that a lot of parents. But, you know, if this is a story time, I'm a parent. I put my children to sleep at 7 p.m. when they were little. And so this is a time that is more of an adult time,” Karina Powers said.

Despite the backlash, the event is already fully booked with 75 people signed up to attend.

There is currently no indication the event will be canceled. It is scheduled to take place as planned on June 11 at Oscar’s Playground in Monterey.

_________________________________________________________________________________________A drag storytime event in celebration of Pride in Monterey is drawing controversy from opponents.

Drag Queen Storytime with Saint Sallos is being hosted at Oscar's Playground in Cannery Row on June 11, aiming to create an inclusive environment where Monterey locals and visitors can connect.

The Monterey County Republican Party released a statement opposing the event, calling for its cancellation. In the release, the MCRP states that the event is not about diversity, education, or acceptance but rather "grooming children for ideological and sexual confusion."

The release goes on to state that this is a part of a "dangerous trend" that causes harm to parental rights and children.

Drag Queen Story Time is a free event for all ages that will be reading from "C is for Country" by rapper Lil Nas X and"'Twas the Night Before Pride" by Joanna McClintick.