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There is a petition circulating in opposition to future Drag Queen Story Hours in cook county- it is largely based on misinformation stating that these events will be publicly funded by the Library. This petition serves as a blanket affirmation that those of us who live in/ visit / love cook county are in support of free expression and representation for LGBTQIA people ! Pride month is upon us, let’s celebrate the community!!

Drag is an expansive art form, and is not inherently sexual- Drag performers choose their roles, much like the actors and models we see in children television shows, or sponsorships for brands that advertise to children and families Those same actors also have the freedom to take on roles in adult oriented TV Shows and Movies, in centerfold spreads in magazines, or on the billboards that line our publicly funded highways.

You have likely enjoyed performances of drag by the likes of Bugs Bunny, or of Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire, or in Monty Python.

Make no mistake, queer youth have always and always will exist in Cook County (and everywhere)- they will exist despite lack of resources or support from their families, their peers, their libraries, their educators, or their communities- Many of them will not survive these conditions. Many others will make the very difficult choice to leave their homes and find community and chosen family elsewhere.

If you do not wish to attend Drag Queen Story Hours, or to bring your children to these events, it is fully within your rights to simply not attend!

COOK COUNTY PRIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE:

JUNE 10th

9 am: Free yoga with Carly at Harbor Park

10 am-12 pm: Arts, Crafts, and Sign Making at the HUB

12-1 pm: Drag Queen Story Hour at the HUB

1:30-2:30 pm: Out Front MN Presentation at the HUB

3-5 pm: Event Set-Up Harbor Park - Volunteers Welcome

5-6:30 pm: Rally and March Harbor Park

6:30-7:30 pm: Free Dinner and Social Hour at Harbor Park

8:30-11pm: DJ Dance After-Party at Up Yonder