Lake County Gazette

The Waukegan and Highwood libraries are being accused of abusing children after advertising that they will be dressing in drag for an upcoming PrideFest event. 

“Two publicly funded libraries are hosting a PrideFest and are advertising that kids will be dressing up in drag. Both @WaukeganLibrary and @highwoodlibrary have refused to respond as to why they are sponsoring this abuse of children. Your tax dollars hard at work,” Libs of TikTok posted on Twitter. 

An advertisement for Lake County PrideFest 2022 shows two children in a field surrounded on top and bottom by rainbows. “Kiddie Corner” the ad reads and lists “drag kids dress up” as one of the events.

The Highwood PrideFest begins at noon on Saturday, June 4. For the entire month, the city will adorn the LGBT flag colors, according to the Celebrate Highwood website.

“Highwood has been recognized as one of the first communities on Chicago’s North Shore to host a PrideFest,” Highwood board member and North Shore PrideFest event coordinator D.R. Smith said. “Highwood is an incredible community rich in diversity, love and acceptance for all, and although we dedicate this one day to celebrate PRIDE, we embrace the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year.”

Waukegan Library’s event is similarly situated around the city’s PrideFest parade on June 4.

"On Saturday, June 4, the Lake County PrideFest will be open to the public from noon through 8 p.m. at the corner of Water and Genesee Streets, featuring a full-day lineup of performances, food trucks and beverage tents and a market/resource fair," Daily Herald reported. "The Kid Korner will be open at the fest from noon to 4 p.m., featuring affirming books, drag queen story time, face painting, an inflatable soccer field, kids' dress up and arts and crafts. A family-friendly drag show will take place at 4 p.m."