Illinois Valley Times

Davis says the recent Drag Queen Storytime event at the LaSalle Public Library was not educational but “ideological" and inappropriate for young children.

Davis spoke out following the June 25 event, part of the library’s “Pride Month” programming, which critics say pushes a political agenda under the guise of education.

“I’m disheartened with the LaSalle Public Library hosting a drag queen story time for kids,” Davis told the Illinois Valley Times. “It’s not educational—it’s ideological, and concerns from local parents are justified.” 

Local drag performer JJ Adonis, known for provocative performances, hosted the controversial Drag Queen Storytime at LaSalle Public Library. | Illinois Valley Times

The library event featured performer JJ Adonis, a well-known figure in Illinois’s drag scene and frequent host at similar events. Adonis is also recognized for performances described as overtly sexual in nature—raising alarms about the suitability of such programming for young audiences.

 As “Pride Month” events continue throughout the region, the dispute over Drag Queen Storytime programs at libraries like LaSalle’s underscores a widening divide over how—and when—LGBTQ topics should be introduced to children. For Davis and many others, the answer is clear. 

“Our libraries should be neutral, safe spaces promoting learning, not controversial social agendas targeting young children,” Davis said.  

Davis, who is a member of the Illinois Freedom Caucus and represents the 75th House District encompassing parts of LaSalle, Grundy and Kendall counties—including the towns of Plano, Yorkville, Morris and Minooka—emphasized that the historic Carnegie-funded library should prioritize community values and literacy over such divisive programming.

The LaSalle event joins a growing list of Drag Story Hour programs across Illinois that have become flashpoints for protests and heated debate. Conservative activists have rallied against these events statewide.

Protests, such as those organized by Trump Illinois MAGA Official and groups like Chicago Flips Red and Trump Illinois MAGA Official, targeted Drag Story Time programs at the Beverly and Edgewater branches of the Chicago Public Library. 

Zoe Leigh, founder of the group Chicago Flips Red, recently led protests at Chicago’s Edgewater Public Library Drag Story Hour, voicing strong objections to the ideological content she believes is being pushed on children. 

“I'm 39, Black, lesbian—it is being taught to the kids,” Leigh told Chicago City Wire. “It's just not normal and you cannot try to make that normal no matter how you try to spin it.” 

Leigh argued that early exposure to LGBTQ themes can confuse children’s identities and undermine parental rights.

Activists like Leigh decry the use of taxpayer funds for what they describe as “sexualized propaganda,” warning of long-term political and cultural consequences.

Republican congressional candidate Christine Maxwell has also called for cancellations of similar events, framing the controversy as part of a national concern over “sexualization” of youth in public spaces. 

Conservative media voices, including radio hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson, have amplified these criticisms, framing the Drag Storytime controversy as emblematic of a broader cultural war.

Before running for office, Davis served as president of the board of Parkview Christian Academy in Yorkville. He previously criticized the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for refusing to revise its policy allowing biological males identifying as transgender to compete in female sports, accusing the IHSA of prioritizing political appeasement over fairness.

“Illinois law should never be used to force our daughters to compete against biological males,” Davis told the Grundy Reporter earlier this year.