Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics Podcast: A Centrist View on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area Culture
  • Orland First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats Cook County
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards Education
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor Blogger
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications Business
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates Chicago
  • Justice Department Health Care Fraud Unit
    Chicago Man Convicted of Participating in Illegal Kickback Conspiracy Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas receives the American Arab Chamber of Commerce 2021 Action Award for her support of Arab and Muslim Americans, returning more than $1.3 million to Arab and Muslim taxpayers.
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas refunding more than $47 million to homeowners Cook County
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job Business
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023
    Buckner slams Garcia, Johnson and Lightfoot for Crypto hypocrisies, supports probes Chicago
  • Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County Editors Pick
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Suburbs lose a great leader in Liz Gorman Blogger
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Liz Gorman brings sanity and services back to Cook County Board Blogger
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State
    Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team report Government
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe Blogger
Downers Grove Library courtesy of the Downers Grove Library

Casten slams Pekau for bullying in Drag Queen Bingo controversy

Posted on September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 By News Editor No Comments on Casten slams Pekau for bullying in Drag Queen Bingo controversy
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Casten slams Pekau for bullying in Drag Queen Bingo controversy

The Downers Grove Library this week announced they would cancel a planned entertainment bingo night that was to include a “short drag queen” performance in the face of an onslaught of anonymous threats, bullying from rightwing politicians, and  fear mongering on social media.

U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) has released the following statement regarding the cancellation of the upcoming “Drag Queen Bingo” program at the Downers Grove Public Library, after Republican candidate Keith Pekau attacked the library for hosting the event.

Downers Grove Library had planned a bingo event in which a “short Drag Queen” performance would be held afterwards. The inclusion of the “drag queen” performance ignited a firestorm of homophobic attacks by Republicans seeking to rally voters going into the November 8, 2022 elections in Illinois.

Downers Grove library officials had defended the event saying that it would “help everyone see people who are different being accepted and celebrated.”

But after several rightwing politicians attacked the library and promoted homophobic fear mongering, the Downers Grove Library announced it would cancel the show.

Downers Grove Library courtesy of the Downers Grove Library
Downers Grove Library courtesy of the Downers Grove Library

“Unfortunately, in this case, it is not possible to provide a safe place for everyone due to the threats made,” a statement released by the Downer’s Grove Library explained. “To all of the teens who registered for our event and community members in support of the event: we are sorry drag queen bingo cannot happen at this time.”

 

Library officials said that the threats which forced the closing of the performance are being investigated by the Downers Grove police.

Leading the attacks against the library was Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau who is running for Congress as a Republican in the 6th District. In a letter to voters sent out on Sept. 7, 2022, Pekau blasted the library accusing them of using tax dollars to fund an “inappropriate” event.

“Some politicians have no problem seeing how extreme they can go. We see them do this in Washington with reckless spending and even on issues they have no business involving themselves in. But now we’re seeing this type of extremism on the local level,” Pekau said in his election eNewsletter.
 
“Take the Downers Grove Public Library for example. They are hosting a drag queen bingo for kids. They want to use your hard earned tax dollars to host an inappropriate, sexualized event for children! There has to be an end to their extreme agenda.”

Pekau then used the letter to ask his mailing list to make donations to his congressional campaign.

Casten, the Democratic candidate in the district who has represented most of that region for several terms before the district was redrawn last year, slammed Pekau, saying he should be ashamed of himself for weaponizing homophobic fear mongering and promoting an enviroment of “hatred, homophobia, and bigotry.”

“I’m incredibly disheartened to hear that the Downers Grove Public Library is canceling their upcoming event — one meant to celebrate self-identity and self-expression — because Keith Pekau and Awake Illinois created an unsafe environment in our community. They should be ashamed of themselves. They have used their platform to promote hatred, homophobia, and bigotry,” Casten said Monday.

“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.”

Many community activists criticized Pekau for using what has been an accepted form of entertainment and turning into a platform of hate, targeting the LGBTAQ community. Ironically, the straight community also has participated in “drag queen” events including during public activities such as Halloween without being bullied or shamed.

Pekau complained that he was being attacked by the mainstream news media and other community leaders, writing in his statement, “Local media is echoing the sentiments of the extreme politicians—the Daily Herald implied I am inciting violence, the Daily Southtown said I am being theatrical, John Williams on WGN questioned every response I gave him for why I’m standing up for our kids, and the Chicago Sun-Times paints MY outrage as part of the problem.”

Casten continued, “The 6th District is a place for kindness, love, and decency. Hate has no home here. The fact that Keith Pekau disagrees shows he has no place in public office.”

Here is the full letter from the Downers Grove Library:

September 12, 2022

To our Downers Grove Community,

For the safety of everyone involved, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the upcoming Drag Queen Bingo program due to threats made against the Downers Grove Public Library.

These threats are currently under active investigation by law enforcement. Providing an inclusive, welcoming, and safe space for everyone in the Downers Grove community is of the utmost importance to the library. We recognize the significance of offering services and programs like Drag Queen Bingo that provide a window to the world, as well as a mirror to it, creating opportunities for patrons to see the wonderfully diverse community in which we live.

Unfortunately, in this case, it is not possible to provide a safe place for everyone due to the threats made. To all of the teens who registered for our event and community members in support of this event: we are sorry Drag Queen Bingo cannot happen at this time.

We are determined to find additional ways to support you and your friends in safe, fun, and inclusive representation throughout the library. 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 some of 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. There is no further information about this threat that may be shared with the public at this time and no further comment can be made. We ask the community to please show kindness in the days leading up to National Coming Out Day, October 11.

Sincerely, Julie Milavec

Library Director and The Downers Grove Public Library Staff

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
News Editor
News Editor
News Editor at Suburban Chicagoland
Managing Editor and News Editor for stories published in SuburbanChicagoland
News Editor
Latest posts by News Editor (see all)
  • First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats - January 31, 2023
  • Senator Hastings thanks voters for support in re-election to 19th Senate District seat - November 16, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row - October 25, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Entertainment, News, Orland Park, Politics, Radio, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:6th Congressional District, Bingo, bullying, discrimination, Downers Grove Library, Drag queen, Drag Queen Bingo, homophobic. LGBTQ, Keith Pekau, police investigation, public entertainment, Racism, Sean Casten, threats

Post navigation

Previous Post: “Plan Your Escape” is the theme for the Orland Fire Protection District annual Open House Sept. 24
Next Post: Raymond Lopez says 500th Chicago murder unacceptable fir America’s 3rd largest city

Related Posts

  • President Donald J. Trump and Ivanka Trump | June 13, 2017 (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)
    Trump’s COVID-19 infection makes re-election uncertain Blogger
  • Glenn Hughes rocks St. Charles News
  • Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia
    Bridgeview Police searching for suspect in Hann Funeral Home shooting breaking news
  • Poise pays off News
  • Offshore Restaurant offers Halloween fun Business
  • Skeleton lightens motorists’ mood News

More Related Articles

SSG Michael Sutter US Army Class of 1993 Andrew HS Tweets salute to 3 former student veterans Editors Pick
Bank of America should change its name General Topics
Cook County Commissioner and McCook Mayor Jeffrey Tobolski writes column criticizing District 103 Board Majority after the Illinois Attorney General ruled they violated the Open Meetings Act. Published in the Des Plaines Valley News Residents deserve answers from school officials, not a snub Blogger
State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district Hurley measure to protect victims of stalking and domestic violence sent to governor Government
“Weird Al” funny as ever News
Mike Profirio Profirio resigns as Summit administrator News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor
    January 26, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe
    January 16, 2023
  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: The China threat to Asia’s Democracy
    January 9, 2023
  • Harry and Patricia Michalski courtesy of their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10105680464226180&set=t.100009314491026&type=3
    Remembering Pat Michalski who dedicated her life to diversity and fairness
    December 30, 2022

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Chicago Mayor Lori Lightf... Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has faile... posted on January 15, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website Vallas urges probe in Lig... Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot's CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Ga... posted on January 16, 2023
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023 Black and Latinx Elected... Black and Latinx Elected Officials Unite Against the Chaos Caused by Mayor... posted on January 8, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash First Installment Cook Co... First Installment Cook County property taxes due date pushed to April 3 Coo... posted on January 4, 2023
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State Secretary of State Alexi... Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team... posted on January 17, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area
    January 31, 2023
  • Orland First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats
    January 31, 2023
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards
    January 26, 2023
  • State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district
    Hurley Named Chair of Police and Fire Committee
    January 25, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates
    January 23, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: The China threat to Asia’s Democracy
    January 9, 2023
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves 2022-2023 season
    Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row
    October 25, 2022
  • Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop! The team that does a lot of the work to help the Stagg High school band perform works behind the scenes like a NASCAR pit stop. The students are profiled in this feature
    Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop!
    August 31, 2022
  • Soccer. Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
    International soccer returns to SeatGeek Stadium
    August 7, 2022
  • Stefan Noesen, Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award
    July 22, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area
    January 31, 2023
  • Orland First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats
    January 31, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Paul Vallas demands Lightfoot explain email scandal, and use of government resources for political campaign
    January 12, 2023
  • David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County
    Milwaukee County sells 90 lots for single family homes
    January 11, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Chicago’s Police Officers Endorse Paul Vallas for Mayor
    January 9, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job
    January 19, 2023
  • United Airlines Flight at O'Hare Airport
    United offers endless airline travel problems for travelers
    December 25, 2022
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme