On the evening of July 22nd, the Livermore City Council in the Bay Area passed a resolution allocating $30,000 to support LGBTQ arts and cultural activities, including children’s drag queen performances. This decision has sparked intense controversy among local residents.
During the council meeting that evening, the Livermore City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city government to enter into funding agreements with Livermore Pride, Livermore Valley Opera, and Thomasin Dewhurst Fine Art.
These three organizations will each receive $10,000 to develop LGBTQ arts projects, including children’s drag queen performances. The resolution was proposed by the City Arts Commission and recommended for approval.
The council chamber was full that evening, with over a dozen residents standing to listen. Many residents spoke out against the resolution, while others in the audience raised their hands in support during these objections.
Resident Tracy Heskett expressed to a media outlet that drag queens promote a lifestyle that may expose children who are not yet emotionally mature to inappropriate content, potentially leading to emotional confusion.
Cathryn M Villasenor, a long-time Livermore resident since 2013, stated that hosting drag shows for children in the city deprives them of their innocence. She pointed out that Livermore has regulations that explicitly prohibit lewd activities in front of children. She expressed sadness that they have reached this point.
Resident Russell Deacon suggested that if drag shows are to be held, they should take place in enclosed buildings and only allow adults to participate. Children should not be exposed to such performances, and taxpayer money should not support these activities. He stressed that it’s about right and wrong, not hatred.
Kay Serpa believes that children do not need to be educated by transgender individuals or drag queens, calling it absurd as they are just kids. She argued that children are being deprived of the opportunity to be kids and grow up happily. Therefore, she opposes using taxpayer money to fund such activities, advocating for resources to be allocated towards reading, writing, math, and science – the core purposes of schooling.
Chris Clark, a long-time resident of Livermore, voiced concern that the LGBTQ community is now influencing children’s thinking in the city. He pointed out that about 35% of the city’s population are Christians, yet the city does not allow them to display a flag for a day but supports LGBTQ events.
However, there were also several individuals at the meeting who expressed support for the resolution. Aaron Haycroft stated that he participates in Livermore Pride Parade every year and believes it is highly valuable for the community.
Trish Monroe, a Jewish resident, voiced support for the pride parade, believing that cultural diversity brings more inclusivity to the community.