Lake County Gazette

Mel Gurel, Vice Chair of the Vernon Township Republicans, has called on Buffalo Grove Democrats to clarify their stance on underage gender treatments promoted by activists such as Carolyn Pinta. Gurel made her statement to the Lake County Gazette.

"Carolyn Pinta and the Pinta Pride Project brought Buffalo Grove its first Pride Parade, with strong support from local Democrat leaders," said Melanie Gurel, Vice Chairwoman. "But as more voters grow uncomfortable with the medicalization of children in the name of gender-affirming care, that support is being questioned. Pinta has gained a reputation for aggressively targeting those who don't fully align with her views, especially on issues involving minors and irreversible medical procedures. While some in our community don't take issue with the ‘LGB' side, elected officials have a duty to state outright whether they support these barbaric practices involving children."

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade held on June 1 featured 100 entries and carried the theme "Pride is Natural." Organized by BG Pride and the Pinta Pride Project, this event marked its seventh year since being initiated by Molly Pinta and her parents. The parade included cheerleaders, floats, rainbow-themed decorations, and appearances from local officials. While some viewed it as a demonstration of community support, others expressed concerns regarding political messaging and the involvement of minors. Kristal Larson, a local official and LGBTQ+ advocate, emphasized that community participation was central to the event’s goal.

On its website, the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade reported that several local officials and political candidates were financial sponsors of the event in 2025 and also participated. These included Illinois State Representative Daniel Didech, Buffalo Grove Trustee Joanne Johnson, Trustee David Weidenfeld, and various Democratic organizations. U.S. Representative Brad Schneider of Highland Park and Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith actively joined the June 1 parade.

Fox News reported that in October 2022, the Pinta Pride Project hosted a ‘National Coming Out Day Celebration’ featuring drag performances and activities marketed as family-friendly for children as young as five. Co-founder Carolyn Pinta defended the event as affirming for youth who identify as LGBTQ+, especially those receiving different traditional messaging at home.

The American College of Pediatricians said there is no long-term evidence supporting puberty blockers' safety or efficacy for transgender youth, making these interventions experimental. Without reliable data, parents cannot provide informed consent, nor can minors assent. Evidence suggests puberty blockers may worsen gender dysphoria, self-harm tendencies, and emotional instability with side effects like osteoporosis and mood disorders. High doses of hormones can also pose risks including psychiatric issues and sterility.

Gurel has been a resident of Buffalo Grove for ten years and has experienced what she describes as indoctrination within "Blue Ribbon" schools in her community while serving as a parent volunteer and mother of three.