NEWARK, Ohio -- Right before pride month began, a letter sent May 31 from a state official sent waves through Ohio's LGBTQ community.

“When I saw the letter I thought, those poor kids,” says Trisha Pound of the Newark Ohio Pride Coalition. “They have been welcome at the library they are welcome, but after reading that letter I am sure they feel not welcome. But they are absolutely welcome at the library.”

That letter sent from the Speaker of the House Larry Householder to Licking County Library and the Ohio Library Council. The letter said, in part, that taxpayer dollars shouldn't fund teaching teenage boys about how to become drag queens.

“This is the second year for Newark pride. The coalition planned to hold privately funded teen event at this library ahead of their June 8 pride festival at Canal Market District. The event was planned and the space rented for months but after Speaker Householder's letter, Licking County Library cancelled the event via a facebook message.

“Our event, which is happening again thanks to Denison University was really designed as an arts and crafts event for LGBTQ and allied teens to come together to showcase their artistic ability to make some crafts that they could wear to pride the next day,” says Timothy Bussey from Newark Ohio Pride Coalition.

This is the second LGBTQ-themed event to be cancelled in just as many weeks. The first in Delaware county, where a “Drag 101” event was cancelled by Delaware County District Library and moved to a private location after veiled threats.

Douglas Evans is the Executive Director of Ohio Library Council and says libraries serve a role for everyone in the community, but everything isn't for everyone.

“Not every program is going to meet everyone's wants and needs, and they can personally decide whether they want to attend those programs,” says Evans.

Evans says specific federal laws and best practices governing the use of library spaces for community needs.

“There are diverse individuals, diverse experiences and frankly, diverse taxpayers in this state,” says Evans. “So, the libraries have a responsibility, possibly an obligation to serve all of those individuals.”

Speaker Householder did not respond to requests for comment or interview. Licking County Library referred to their statement on Facebook and provided no additional comments. Pound says this incident showed the strength of her community.

“Through all of this we've had 1200 come through in private donations, more people have shown up for our volunteer orientations,” says Pound.

And now a new venue, Denison Art Space, is hosting the event. Pound says beyond the debate, the social worker says that she just wants to make sure Newark LGBTQ youth have a space for pride.

“There's not a lot of options for them, in fact this may be the only option that's accessible and free in Newark,” says Pound. “And, I feel like a group like this can save a kid's life.”