Nov. 18 letters to the editor

Cancellation of event
dark day for Morgantown
Morgantown Public Library recently announced plans to hold a Drag Queen Story Time at its downtown location, originally scheduled for Saturday (Nov. 16).
When word got out, we watched in real time as individuals began spewing hate and vitriol, displaying a clear and deep misunderstanding of the event itself and the LBGTQ community as a whole.
Phone calls and emails began pouring into the library, and soon after threats began to emerge. Threats to the library’s funding, threats toward the performers and threats toward anyone standing in support. All, ironically, in the name of keeping children safe.
While the library’s staff did their best to respond and provide information, they eventually made the decision to cancel the event after receiving very real, active threats of violence.
Where are we as a community when we have to cancel children’s events because we’re unsure if everyone will make it in, or out, alive?
Where are we as a city that promotes inclusivity and diversity if we cannot hold public events (that are not funded by taxpayers) due to religious objections?
This is an ugly day for Morgantown. However, if I know my community, I know we will find a way to rally and overcome it.
Hate has no home here, and a person’s religious beliefs have no right to insert themselves into my daily choices for myself or my children.
It is the antithesis of the beliefs our country was founded upon. If your thought regarding an event’s cancellation due to threats of violence is “Praise God, our prayers were answered,” might I ask, what is it exactly that you were praying for?
Julia Hamilton
Morgantown