Massachusetts public library hosting after-school ‘Pride Club for Kids’

A public library in western Massachusetts plans to host an after-school club where children can discuss sexual orientation and gender identity without parental consent.

The South Hadley Public Library advertises the “Pride Club for Kids” as a social space for children interested in LGBT topics.

Its online event description encourages “all queer kids and allies” to attend, promising reading, discussion and crafts. Meetings are scheduled twice per month beginning in November.

Critics say the taxpayer-funded program is inappropriate for children and undermines parental authority. They also argue such events blur the line between education and indoctrination, particularly when directed toward minors in public settings.

The conservative X account Libs of TikTok shared the library’s event flyer and slammed it.

“Absolutely disgusting,” it posted. “The South Hadley Public Library in Massachusetts is holding an all ages lgbtq pride club for ‘queer kids’ to chat about being lgbtq and read lgbtq propaganda books. They receive taxpayer funds. Why are our tax dollars funding the grooming of kids?”

Faith-based advocates say the event disregards parents’ role in guiding their children’s moral development. 

Massachusetts Family Institute Director of Research and Engagement Jessica Richardson called the decision dangerous. 

“The South Hadley Public Library’s decision to host an all-ages ‘Pride Club’ is irresponsible and unsafe,” Richardson told The Lion. “When it comes to the topics of sexuality and identity, parents must be on guard about who influences their children. At this club, a vulnerable child looking for fun or friendship could be profoundly influenced by an older youth or an unknown adult – with no parental consent required! Parents must stay vigilant, and South Hadley residents should demand better from their library.” 

The library has a history of promoting LGBT programs for youth. 

In 2022, it hosted an event called “The ABC’s of LGBTQ+,” which offered what MassEquality described as “an introduction to key terms and concepts related to sexual orientation and gender identity.” 

The 2022 event description encouraged attendees to think about their “own identities and experiences,” including how to have “age-appropriate conversations” with children about these issues. 

“Learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the LGBTQ+ community in an interactive and easy to follow 90-minute training,” the description added. 

South Hadley is a town of about 17,000 people in western Massachusetts, nearly 40 miles north of Hartford, Connecticut.