Another drag-related controversy is taking place in the Chicago suburbs.
On Sept. 12, the Downers Grove Public Library announced it has been forced to cancel an October Drag Bingo event for LGBTQ+ teens after threats were made against them, according to ABC 7 Chicago. The Oct. 11 event was set to coincide with National Coming Out Day.
Library officials said authorities are investigating the threats. They said they were forced to cancel the event as the threats made it impossible for them to provide a safe space for their staff, attendees and performers.
On Facebook, the library posted, "Hate did not win today. We stand by the event and Aurora Divine. We tried our best to make Drag Queen Bingo happen. However, due to the severity of the threats made against the library, we have been forced to cancel the event. It is our responsibility to keep you safe. We are disappointed and saddened by ... the vitriolic feedback that we received for what was meant to be an evening of fun and celebration of self-identity and self-expression.
"Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages of support; you have helped us reaffirm our commitment to essential inclusive programming in Downers Grove. A special thanks to all those kind and generous folks who have stopped by to offer words of encouragement and thoughtful gestures. We appreciate you."
U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, who represents the library's district, stated, "Let's be clear. This event was canceled because, after my Republican opponent and his far-right allies at Awake Illinois publicly issued a call to action to their supporters, the library received severe threats that endangered our community.
"The 6th District is a place for kindness, love and decency. Hate has no home here. The fact that [opponent] Keith Peak disagrees shows he has no place in public office."
On Aug. 7 in Lake in the Hills, LGBTQ+-owned UpRising Bakery and Cafe finally held its all-ages drag show after enduring threats and even vandalism for weeks.
