MOLALLA, Ore. — For the past three years, Hendy Appleton has organized a pride event in the small town of Molalla. This year's celebration was supposed to be an inclusive community carnival and picnic at a park.
"I had entertainment lined up, and one of the entertainments was a drag queen," Appleton said.
Appleton explained that's when people in the community started to become uncomfortable.
"When I announced the event on social media, people were upset. And made it clear they were upset," Appleton said.
The negative comments started to roll in, such as, "'You are putting our children in danger. This doesn't belong in our community, and we are going to show up to disrupt the event,'" Appleton said.
Some people went further and threatened to bring guns and protest, according to Appleton. When people from outside of Molalla and Clackamas County said they would show up, Appleton made the decision to cancel the event.
"I wanted a community event, so many people were going to be coming in from outside the community just to make a point that it ruined the purpose," Appleton said.
Appleton, who has lived in Molalla for 18 years, hopes the community will become more accepting of people from different backgrounds, and not be fearful that the town is becoming more diverse.
"There is room for all of us. There is room for all of us here in this town," Appleton said.
Appleton is still trying to decide whether or not to attempt another pride event later in the fall, but said it will definitely return to Molalla in 2025.