Dupage Policy Journal

The Downers Grove Library is under fire after it scheduled a drag queen to perform for kids and hold a Drag Queen Bingo.

Terry Newsome, GOP Precinct Committeemen District 141, is speaking out on the issue. 

“Can you please explain the purpose and intent of hosting a Drag Queen Bingo event in the DGPL?" Newsome said. "In addition to playing child-friendly bingo with a Drag Queen, Downers Grove children will also experience a “short drag performance” as well. What an opportunity!!!" Newsome said in an email. "How often do children get the chance to learn how to strip by a dude dressed as a woman? What an opportunity of a lifetime for our children. You [have] really outdone yourself this time!!!! Congratulations!” 

Newsome has guessed rightly who's hosting the event and asked what qualifies Aurora Divine "to entertain Downers Grove Children in the tax-funded DGPL facility?' He also mentioned that he researched Divine and encourage the Downers Grove Library to "Please feel free to look into this yourself."

"How does this help the children of Downers Grove? Will Drag Bingo and Drag Queen performances reduce the suicide rate of the LGBTQ community?" Newsome asked. "It can be very difficult trying to compare one Drag Queen Bingo host to another, but I’m pretty sure this is the same one.  He/She is described as the “Filthiest Person Alive ''.  He/She is hosting another Drag Bingo event in September at My Buddy’s 4416 N Clark St Chicago where the venue is promoting the event as being “A Raucous Raunchy Time Had by All” Feel free to call the venue yourself to confirm how Aurora’s Devine’s show is being promoted. Just in case you don’t know the definition of raucous it’s: “making or constituting a disturbing harsh and loud noise”.  

Newsome lambasted the library by stressing what the children will see and experience during the event.

"And here’s the definition of raunchy: “obscene, smutty and inappropriate."  Wow, he/she sounds like a perfect entertainer to put in front of the children of Downers Grove!!!  Raucous + Raunchy,” Newsome said. 

“Since this library is so concerned with “inclusion” I would like to propose you consider another event. Are you aware of the damage caused by the effects of unnecessary forced COVID lockdowns and forced masking of our children by the left?  These radical leftist unnecessary policies have significantly driven heterosexual teenage suicide rates higher. Therefore, I would like to propose DGPL host Female Stripper Bingo Night for DGN and DGS male students. Let’s not forget these girls!  We need to include everyone!!  If we want to help reduce heterosexual female teen suicide rates, we need [an] evening for the girls too. Let’s host a Male Stripper Bingo night for them.  And, at the very end we can throw in a little male strip show for the girls.  What do you think? These types of performances will [certainly] make them feel inclusive along with the LGBTQ kids and help all reduce their suicide rates, right?  We need to [ensure] the heterosexual kids feel just as inclusive as the LGBTQ community.”    

Newsome also found the opportunity to call out Downers Grove District 99 Superintendent Hank Thiele and Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06). 

“Hey, I have another good idea! You can ask Hank Thiele and Sean Casten to bring Gender Queer to the library strip shows," Newsome further said. "They can show the kids the famous “comic sketch” image that teaches children how to give your friend a blowjob while wearing a strap-on cock!  That image combined with a strip show will certainly reduce the child suicide rates across the board. What do you think?” “Expect a backlash from this absurd, ridiculous and unnecessary decision to bring Drag Bingo into a public library. I have a feeling you may want to update your resume in the near future!”

Thiele, Dupage Policy Journal reported, previously spoke on the inclusion of the graphic arts novel Gender Queer in the District 99 libraries. He said that he believes that the book "belongs in our collection. I strongly agree with the key tenants of the Ad-Hoc Committee’s recommendation and recommend the Board take no removal action of Gender Queer from the District 99 libraries."

Awake Illinois is holding a “call to action” on the event, “The last thing I want is for our community children to be exposed to sexually charged content simply because they visited their local library. Lewd adult content doesn’t belong at a public library event for any age group,” a form letter produced by Awake Illinois reads. “As a taxpayer and concerned citizen, I urge the Downers Grove Library to cancel the event and discipline the staff involved in planning and hosting the event. Additionally, I request a response to questions on why this event allowed minors to register, provide their contact information, and share their grade level without parental notification.” Go to awakeil.com to see and sign the petition.

The event is being promoted to children in grades 7-12 notably indicating "drag performance included.”

Downers Grove Library Board members are President Swapna Gigani, Carissa Doughtery, David Humphreys, Barnali Khuntia, and Bill Nienburg. The library has recently released its statement regarding the feedback it has been getting, along with an image stating it is committed to "equity, diversity, and inclusion."