Hundreds choose between Rockton Pride party or protest as library hosts drag queen
Some partied while others prayed in downtown Rockton Friday evening as the Talcott Free Library hosted a virtual drag queen Q & A program.
As drag queen Krystal Ball gave a live online presentation to area residents on the art of drag performance — a program that brought hundreds of protesters to a library board meeting last month — LGBTQ+ supporters decorated a nearby park pavillion for a Rockton Pride event while members and supporters of Rockford Family Initiative gathered on street corners carrying signs that read "Keep drag away from our children" and "Drag queen story hour is child abuse."
More: Drag queen event goes on: Protesters fill streets, Illinois library refuses to cancel
Kevin Rilott, who heads Rockford Family Initiative, said the protesters were "just good people standing up for what they believe in."
Kathy Roggensack of South Beloit stood on the front line holding a sign and acknowledging passing motorists honking their horns in approval.
"Everything thing has a place and time," she said. "We should not be trying to expose kids to things that aren't appropriate for their age. Once they are adults, they can do what they want."
At the pride event, the Rev. Marlene Walker of Rockton's Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley, got to spend time with members of her congregation and attend a mini drag show. Ball made a post-program appearance at the party in the park.
"I'm just blown away by how much support there has been in this community," Walker said. "A group from outside the community comes in to bring messages of hate, and we hold a party for love.
"Everybody is of value and worth no matter what their gender, gender identity or sexual orientation."
Chris Lannon, a 37-year Rockton resident and a mother of 10, said she has no problem with individuals expressing themselves.
"So many children commit suicide because they don't know what they want to do or they are trying to make their parents happy. I just say, 'So long as you are happy, I'm happy.'"
A couple dozen protesters participated in "a prayer walk" around the perimeter of the park among a strong police presence stationed at both locations throughout the evening. Rockton police officers were joined by Winnebago County sheriff's deputies and officers from surrounding departments.
The pride event concluded with a $1,000 donation to the library.
Co-Rockton Pride organizer Kelly Kulak and others raised the money — which more than covers the cost of the Drag Q & A program — after some library board members took issue with using the public's tax dollars to pay for a drag appearance.
Chris Green: 815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Virtual drag queen event brings party, prayers to Rockton
