A month after refusing that the drag queen Barbada to read to children in its two libraries, the Saint-Laurent borough council did an about-face and authorized Sébastien Potvin to animate his story time.
Posted at 7:48 p.m.
In a press release published Monday evening, the Borough Council of Saint-Laurent confirmed that Story time with Barbada will indeed take place on November 5 in the two libraries of the municipality (at 10:30 a.m. at the Bibliothèque du Vieux-Saint-Laurent and at 2 p.m. at the Bibliothèque du Boisé). An announcement that coincides with the start of Pride week in Montreal.
After meeting Sébastien Potvin, the administration of Mayor Alan DeSousa is reversing its decision to cancel the activity of the famous drag queen in his municipality. Decision which had both surprised and sowed the anger of certain employees of the two libraries. The City took the opportunity to hoist the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ2+ pride, in the presence of the artist.
“Saint-Laurent Council will always encourage and respect art and creativity, in all its forms,” said Alan DeSousa. This is why we are happy to have been able to discuss with Barbada during an enriching meeting for all. We are constantly looking to improve our range of services for families, and children in particular. »
Barbada, which hosts its story time since 2016 in Montreal libraries, was delighted with this turnaround.
“I am delighted to be able to offer it this fall in Saint-Laurent,” he said in the press release. The main objective is to give children a taste for reading, while discovering the richness of differences! I am also happy to have been able to exchange freely and with mutual respect with the Saint-Laurent Council. It is important to answer the questions to avoid any misunderstanding. »