When you think of a community garden, you probably imagine planting vegetables and flowers, but things are a bit different at this one in Queens, New York. The Sunset Community Garden requires new members to sign a “statement of values” pledging opposition to Zionism, homophobia, and transphobia. While these values may align with many people’s beliefs, requiring a pledge to join a public community garden strikes some as excessive.
It turns out the city agrees. Authorities are now planning to evict the garden, arguing that while they support freedom of expression and political beliefs, placing ideological conditions on access to public spaces is not acceptable. The garden also drew attention for installing an altar honoring trans activist Cecilia Gentili without the proper permits, another issue flagged by the city.
One of the members of the Queens Community Garden who defended their actions is Nastazia Kielar. She saw no issue with requiring prospective members to demonstrate that they opposed Zionism, homophobia, and transphobia. Kielar also defended the installation of the altar, stating that it was simply a way to show support for the late activist Cecilia Gentili.
Kielar noted that ever since the community garden drew public attention, their group has faced significant harassment. At one point, they even received disturbing comments from individuals claiming they planned to plant a bomb in the garden. She added that the presence of police responding to complaints felt threatening, describing it as a form of intimidation.
Though what happened to Kielar and the Queens Community Garden is unfortunate, many internet users agreed that the group may have overstepped with its “statement of values.” “Super not surprised to hear about this based on my experience here,” one user commented. They claimed to live nearby and, while not a member of the garden, had attended several events. “At one point, I remember seeing visiting hours designated specifically for a particular marginalized group. They were even asking for volunteers who, as I understood it, would turn away anyone who didn’t fit that description during those times,” the user added.
Many people questioned why a community garden would feel the need to impose a political litmus test at all. Others voiced support for the authorities, agreeing that the group’s approach was inappropriate for a public space. One user wrote, “These people mandate a ‘yes to all’ political ideology. Everything has to be political, and if you don’t align with every single issue, you’re treated like the enemy.”
