Yahoo Sports LGBTQ+ supporters braced for protest of story time at Salida library. It got nothing but love
About 100 people turned out Tuesday in support of having preschoolers hear stories with LGBTQ+ themes in Salida next week.
The Rainbow Story Time will be Thursday, June 15, at the community’s branch of the Stanislaus County Library.
The supporters spoke to the county Board of Supervisors following rumors of a boardroom protest by LGBTQ+ opponents. They did not show, but the counterprotest went on anyway.
Modesto resident Steve Allen said he called the Salida branch to ask for details on the books that will be read.
“These are very benign stories,” he said. “Nobody’s forcing any sexuality on children. Nobody’s grooming anybody.”
He and others spoke during the public-comment period required at every meeting. The agenda also had an earlier presentation on Pride Month, which honors the cause each June.
LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other people. Speakers said society has made progress, but they still face hostility.
LGBTQ+ teens are especially at risk of suicidal thoughts and other stresses, said Jonathan Grammatico, a licensed clinical social worker in Modesto.
“... I’ll be damned if we’re going to let certain groups get in the way of pride proclamations or Rainbow Story Times,” he said.
Grammatico is also board president for the MoPride Center, a nonprofit based in Modesto.
The library website said the Salida event is designed for preschoolers but older children are welcome, too. More from the calendar listing:
“Celebrate all types of love, rainbows and LGBTQ+ pride with a special Rainbow Story Time. Join us as we read stories, sing songs, dance and more!”
The library scheduled dozens of story times at its 14 locations in June, but only one celebrates Pride Month. It will not involve drag performers, an issue that has stirred protests in a few other locales.
There was no sign at Tuesday’s meeting of the “straight pride” movement, which claims to defend Christian principles as it opposes LGBTQ+ rights. It has held annual gatherings in Modesto since 2019, which have been met by counterprotests.
