Downers Grove Public Library cancels Drag Bingo event after cascade of threats

DOWNERS GROVE, Ailing. (WLS) — The Downers Grove Public Library introduced Monday they have been compelled to cancel an October Drag Bingo occasion for LGBTQ teenagers after threats have been made in opposition to them.

The threats are being investigated by police, library officers stated. They stated they have been compelled to cancel the occasion because the threats made it unimaginable for them to supply a secure area for his or her employees, attendees and performers.

READ MORE: Downers Grove Public Library embroiled in controversy over Drag Bingo occasion

“To all the teenagers who registered for our occasion and neighborhood members in assist of this occasion: we’re sorry Drag Queen Bingo can not occur presently. We’re decided to search out extra methods to assist you and your folks in secure, enjoyable, and inclusive illustration all through the library,” the library wrote in a Fb put up. “Hate didn’t win right this moment. We stand by the occasion and Aurora Divine. We tried our greatest to make Drag Queen Bingo occur. Nevertheless, because of the severity of the threats made in opposition to the library, now we have been compelled to cancel the occasion. It’s our accountability to maintain you secure. We’re disillusioned and saddened by the a number of the vitriolic suggestions that we obtained for what was meant to be a night of enjoyable and celebration of self-identity and self-expression.”

The library introduced it could host an occasion on October 11 known as Drag Bingo, set to coincide with Nationwide Coming Out Day, geared towards seventh to twelfth grade college students.

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Those that opposed it say a drag present is, by definition, sexual in nature and doesn’t belong in a taxpayer-funded setting.

The occasion, certainly one of greater than 900 the library hosts yearly, price $125 to placed on, an quantity they stated had already been lined by a donor.