Chicago City Wire

The Lincoln Park Zoo has invited a cross-dresser to come read to kids. 

The “Drag storytime” is set for Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1-3 p.m. on the Park Place patio. The event is part of the Zoo’s Fall Fest. The Zoo notes the event specifically in promo language on its website. 

“Guests can also enjoy free musical entertainment, a pumpkin patch, drag storytime, professional pumpkin carvers, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals!” the Zoo’s website reads. 

One of several Chicagoland events being advertised to kids is the drag show. 'All Ages Drag Storytime' will be presented by Plainfield Pride in Will County during Pride at PARC. The Plainfield Park District is one of the event's partial sponsors, Will County Gazette reported.

According to Dupage Policy Journal, that event and others in the state have drawn a lot of attention recently. Drag queens are increasingly being paired with children in the area, thanks to government financing. At a Downers Grove library, a drag queen who is better known for adult-themed late-night performances will perform for children and host a game of drag queen bingo.

Awake Illinois, a parental rights organization, publicly denounced the occurrence and has been outspoken in its opposition to others. The group started a campaign against the event, pushing people to complete their "call of action" form, claiming that "Parents expressed concern over the registration process of this event as it pertains to minors.” Concern was also expressed regarding minors being able to sign up for the event without parental or guardian consent.

Lincoln Park Zoo board members include Megan Ross, Ph.D., President & Chief Executive Officer; Rena J. Solano, Chief Financial Officer; Brendan Daley, Vice President, Operations; Marybeth Johnson, Vice President, Government Relations & External Affairs; Beth Krauss, Vice President, Marketing & Communications; Linda Leadbitter, Vice President, Human Resources & Administration; Maureen Leahy, Vice President, Animal Care & Horticulture; Dana Murphy, Vice President, Learning & Community Engagement and S. Sunny Nelson, Vice President, Conservation & Science.