LEXINGTON — The Lexington Public Library has cut several “underperforming” LGBTQ+ programs including a Teen Pride Prom, LGBTQ+ Board Game Night and participation in Lexington Pride.

The library evaluates their programming at the end of every year and some get cut due to lack of attendance and return on investment, library spokesperson Dan Koett told Queer Kentucky.

“While we will not be hosting a Pride Prom this year, the Library continues to offer a robust variety of LGBTQ+ programs and services throughout the year,” he said.

Community members are also allowed to reserve library spaces to hold their own LGBTQ+ events, Koett said.

He adds that LGBTQ+ programming isn’t the only programming affected. All community tabling events have been cut from the library’s programing, including Latino Live and the Lexington Roots and Heritage Festival.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported that various other library programs, like a digital art program and Kindergarten preparation program, will no longer be offered due to low attendance.

During a library board meeting last week, members of Lexington’s queer community voiced concerns about the LGBTQ+ programing cutbacks.

“We’ll begin with a small rollback of queer programs and turn into an all out dismissal of the queer community,” Shelby Adams told the Lexington Herald-Leader. “And that could just be the beginning. Other marginalized demographics could also suffer.”

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, during the board meeting, library Director Heather Dieffenbach said the library is committed to supporting the queer community and thanked people for showing up to make their voices heard.