THUNDER BAY – Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service responded to a threat over the weekend at the Mary JL Black Library.
The Thunder Bay Police Service received information on Saturday, July 27, about a threat directed toward the library, which was hosting a Story Time with Thunder Bay Drag Queens event that day.
According to a media release, police secured the scene and thoroughly searched the library and nearby community centre building, determining there was no credible threat in the area. Officers remained at the library to ensure the event was able to continue without incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
“Individuals who participate in this sort of behaviour and choose to break the law are subject to criminal charges,” the news release said.
This is not the first time a threat was called in for that library. Police received a similar threat on March 16.
Jason Veltri, president of Rainbow Collective, said he is disappointed that this continues to happen.
“This shouldn't be happening in 2024 but yet we are here on a second occasion of a threat to life at a drag event at a public library in Thunder Bay. We're just thankful that the performers are OK, the attendees were taken care of and that the police responded immediately and are continuing to investigate.
“That’s the most important part here is the safety and well-being of those that were participating. Everything else is kind of secondary,” he said.
Veltri said this will have a huge impact on the entire community.
“This isn't a game, this is life, this is safety and well-being in your own community – and that's shattered because of these threats.
The drag story times are about reading a children’s story, Veltri said.
“This Saturday was about blueberries. We're in blueberry season now and it was about blueberries and they are diverse stories of what modern life looks like today.
“It's two moms, it's two dads. It's one mom, it's one dad, it's stepbrothers and stepsisters and siblings that may look different than you.”
Veltri said there is nothing inappropriate about these story times.
“This notion performers are trying to perform in scantily clad outfits and risqué music is just preposterous.
“We encourage the community to come out and see what these events are truly like,” he said.
“They are filled with love and joy and age-appropriate content for the youth that are coming to experience it.
“At what point do we say enough is enough?”
Veltri said if you stand with them, join events and show up at drag story time to see what goes on.
“Education is the key here. Our organization and Thunder Pride have more work to do to ensure that we are sharing a message of hope, of education, of fact and of science,” he said.
Scotia Kauppi, chair of the Thunder Pride Association, said this is just children’s entertainment.
“It's just extremely sad and disheartening that people feel this is the type of action that will solve whatever problem they think they have with a community of people.
“It's just people reading stories to kids and doing crafts with kids at a community library. If you don't want to bring your kids to that event or you don't agree with some kids going to that event, don't bring your kids to that event,” she said.
Kauppi said these story times are just for kids to learn, and there is no ‘hard pride’ attached.
“With children, if you look anywhere in the world, kids don't see colour, they don't see gender, they don't see anything. They just see friends.
“They are taught hate, they are taught bigotry, they're taught not accepting people for who they are. This just fosters the natural thing that kids want to do – make friends, have friends and have fun.”
Threats like this have a massive mental health impact on everyone, including the drag performers, parents, and library staff.
“It affects the police because of the time they take out of their day to have to go and check and make sure everybody is OK. Everybody is already so backed up in everything and no one has the mental health supports that they actually need for these things, Kauppi said.
“You're just causing so much more damage than just trying to make a point. That's redundant because it's your own personal opinion. It's hypocritical if someone (says), ‘please think of the children,’ but you're going to bomb the children?”
Kauppi said this is not going to stop people from being who they are and hosting these events.
“Honestly, don't waste your time. It's a waste of time and your resources.
“You wonder where your tax money is going. Shutting down libraries and using up the police’s time. Wonder why it's backed up? Why cops can't get to other crimes and actual incidences and emergencies? This is why. You're wasting time.”
To attendees of the events, always stay strong, Kauppi said.
“We are here as Thunder Pride to try and provide as much support and access to supports as possible.
“Please reach out to us. If you do have questions about the queer community, please also reach out to us. If you don't understand, we are happy to have the hard conversations,” Kauppi said.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Thunder Bay Police Service at 807-684-1200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
