DOWNERS GROVE (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A west suburban library has decided to call off its scheduled drag themed bingo event.
The Downers Grove Public Library announced on Monday that their Drag Queen Bingo program for October 11, National Coming Out Day, has been canceled because of threats made against 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,” Library Director Julie Milavec wrote in a statement.
Downers Grove police had been informed of a social media post almost two weeks ago in which someone urged people to bring weapons to the library on the day of the event. In her announcement, Milvac would not specify what the threats were, just to say that they were serious enough to warrant a cancelation and are currently being investigated by law enforcement.
Milvac apologized to the teens who had already registered for the event as well as the community members who supported the library through the angst surrounding the scheduled program.
“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 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,” Milvac added.
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