Tyler library moves PFLAG display
Every June since 2015, the Tyler Public Library has given space in its downstairs display case to PFLAG Tyler/East Texas (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians And Gays) for a Pride Month display promoting support and advocacy for and education about LGBTQ people and their families.
That first year, according to PFLAG member Lou Anne Smoot, the display was removed after problems caused by “a few complainers,” but those problems were “soon resolved,” and City Manager Ed Broussard, who had initially ordered that the display be removed, allowed it to be put back in the case.
And everything had been fine — until this year, Smoot said, adding that this PFLAG display this year has been hidden away in a display case on the second floor of the library.
Smoot and her wife set up this year’s display on PFLAG on June 1. The following day, she said, “We were notified that the city manager (Broussard) ordered the library to move our materials to the upstairs display case which is off the beaten path, so to speak, and seen by very few people.” According to Smoot, in explaining the decision, Broussard said, “We decided to have the Pride Month display at the library be located on the second floor as it relates to emotional life decisions for people.
