A library in a southwest suburb of Chicago has canceled a drag queen bingo program for teenagers “due to threats” it has received.
The Downers Grove Public Library had planned the event, which was geared toward seventh through 12 graders, for National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
In a statement Monday, the library announced it was not moving forward with the program because “it is not possible to provide a safe place for everyone due to the threats made.”
Library Director Julie Milavec said authorities are investigating the threats.
“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,” Milavec said. “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.”
The event was meant to “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,” Milavec added.
The program was going to feature drag queen Aurora Divine, several rounds of bingo games and a “short, age-appropriate” lip-sync performance of Katy Perry’s “Firework,” the library said in a statement in late August.
Registration was required for the event. Interest in the program was so high, the library had a waitlist.
The library said in August that it had received over 300 emails regarding the event with feedback split and supporters “slightly outweighing opposition.”
The library had stressed that the event would be appropriate and not sexual in nature.
“We want everyone in our community to see the library and know they are represented and cared for here,” it said.
The library issued an apology to the teens who registered for the event, saying it is “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,” the statement said.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nbcnews.com
