Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, are parents of four married children and grandparents of 11 kids. | baileyforillinois.com
Darren Bailey and his wife, Cindy, are parents of four married children and grandparents of 11 kids. | baileyforillinois.com
Darren Bailey, a Republican state senator from Xenia running in the gubernatorial race, condemns the inclusion and encouragement of kids' participation in several drag shows.
“The recent trend of kids being subjected to drag shows at schools is disturbing,” Bailey, who is also a grandparent of 11 children, said. "These shows are highly sexualized shows and inappropriate for kids. As governor, I would sign legislation banning these shows at schools and I would ban any drag show at any establishment that involved kids in the show. Kids should not be used as props in highly sexualized performances like drag shows. If adults want to spend their time and money patronizing these shows — they have the right to do that, but no one has a right to sexually abuse kids. A Darren Bailey administration will make protecting kids the highest priority."
Several drag shows in public schools and other Pride events sponsored by public libraries took place in the state this month.
A drag show in Dallas was met with both support and protest. The organizers were pleased to advertise it as "a family-friendly spin-off of their Champagne Drag Brunch that would allow kids to dance with performers on stage," WFAA reported.
Public schools in D.C. are also supporting these types of events.
"Join us for a fun evening at Ballou – STAY for performances, food, ball competitions and additional resources to kick-off Pride Month!" the Eventbrite invite reads, according to Newsmax. "An annual celebration sponsored by DCPS for DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) LGBTQIA+ identifying high school students with a goal in mind to create safe and affirming spaces along with educational and advocacy opportunities."
In 2019, Bailey voted against legislature that would include the teaching of the nation’s history to include a study of the roles and contributions of individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the state’s.
He also founded a preschool through grade 12 Christian school in southern Illinois.
Bailey served for 17 years on the North Clay Unit 25 Board of Education where he was the board president for 12 years, according to his website.
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