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The Illinois Public Library has defended its decision to host a “Drag Queen Bingo” event for local teens, claiming it will be a “valuable” and “positive” experience.
Downers Grove Public Library’s ‘Drug Bingo’ event is already sold out and will take place on October 11th. The event coincides with National Coming Out Day and features a drag queen named Aurora Devine.
The event will feature several rounds of bingo, including a “short, age-appropriate lip sync” of Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Intended for her teens from 12 years old to her 18 years old.
Librarian Director Julie Mirabec issued a lengthy four-page statement to concerned parents defending the library’s decision.
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The Downers Grove Public Library hosts a drug-themed bingo event for teens.
(Google Map)
Mirabec said the library received “a lot of positive feedback,” but admitted some parents felt the event was inappropriate.
“[A concern] We hear repeatedly that we are intentionally introducing sexual content to children. This is also not entirely true,” wrote Mirabec in the letter.
“While we understand that this topic is controversial for some, we must also recognize that not including them would also be harmful,” the library director added.
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‘Drag Queen Storytime’ events have grown in popularity in recent years, see you in Manchester, England in 2021.
(Charlaine Forrest/Getty Images)
Mirabec also said the library wants to give teens the chance to watch drag shows without the risk of going to bars.
“We knew there was value in giving teenagers the chance to see a drag show without going to the streets and bars,” writes Mirabec. “We’re making the experience accessible while making sure it’s an age-appropriate performance.”
Mirabec also affirmed that parents have the freedom to decide whether they want their children to attend.

Drag queen Just JP reads stories to children at the Drag Story Hour on June 25, 2022 at the Chelsea Public Library in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
(The Boston Globe via Erin Clarke/Getty Images)
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Kid-friendly drug-themed events are controversial but are becoming increasingly popular. garnered protests from Antifa opponents who exhibited