The Coquitlam Public Library has cancelled their much anticipated Drag Storytime event, planned for October 21st, 2023.

Protestors of SOGI (a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity resource for schools) are planning a series of protests across Canada on the same day – an extension of protests that occurred September 21st. In response, Coquitlam RCMP contacted the Coquitlam Public Library, October 12th, requesting that they cancel their 3rd drag storytime event. The library’s previous event, on January 14th, 2023, was attended by protestors, however they were far outnumbered by queer people and allies.

Tri-Cities Pride President, Brett Collins, stated in an email that the Coquitlam RCMP didn’t have the resources to manage a large protest. A counter-protest TCPS had been organizing has also been cancelled.


The Coquitlam Public Library’s Marketing & Communications Manager, Samantha Wink was not aware of a lack of RCMP resources, citing safety issues for patrons and guests as the reason for the cancellation.

The library has put out the following statement:

Samantha Wink says that the Coquitlam Public Library plans to continue hosting drag storytime events, however at this point a new date has not been proposed. Beyond being a disappointment, it remains to be seen whether this will set a precedent that anti-2SLGBTQIA+ protestors can shut down future queer events in Coquitlam.

I reached out to the Coquitlam RCMP for comment but have not heard back.