Sent on September 6, 2022
A letter to Lincoln Park Zoo:

Dear Megan R. Ross and Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZ) Executive Staff,

We do not support drag story time for children.

I, along with my family, have been a member and visitor of LPZ for over two decades.

LPZ has always been a safe and welcoming place where children of diverse backgrounds and beliefs can be united in one way—through the wonders of nature and wildlife, as your website claims, "the zoo is for everyone."

However, LPZ has recently announced on its website here a family friendly Fall Fest which will include a “drag storytime” on Sunday, October 2, 2022, among other activities.

Drag story time exposes children to sexualized and inappropriate content, reflecting neither a safe, nor a family friendly environment.

As a free zoo that is open to the public and a part of the Chicago Park District, endorsing drag queens as entertainment for children is NOT acceptable.

Should you continue with holding drag story time, LPZ will ostracize and damage its relationship with many faith groups and patrons that have been supporting the zoo for years.

The only response that we see fit for protecting our children, is a total boycott of Lincoln Park Zoo. We await your response.

Sincerely,

Lincoln Park Zoo Member

Ruth Timlin

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Follow-up Letter sent on September 9, 2022:

Dear Lincoln Park Zoo -

I, along with many families, visitors and members of LPZ, am still awaiting your response.

Your silence only further demonstrates LPZ's decision to ostracize and limit the attendance of many different faith groups from the zoo.

Our petition is circulating among Illinois freedom and family institutes, as well as religious communities that have been supporting the zoo for decades.

We are continuing to garner strength and support in protecting our children and their innocence—even if it means no longer supporting LPZ.

As a free zoo that is open to the public, and a part of the Chicago Park District, endorsing drag queens as entertainment for children goes against the zoo’s very own code of conduct, "Creating a safe, welcoming space for all."

Once again, we await your response.

Sincerely,

Lincoln Park Zoo Member

Ruth Timlin

___________

As supporters of Lincoln Park Zoo, we believe that we have a voice and can make a difference in our community and the lives of our children.

Therefore, we urge you to immediately sign the petition letting Lincoln Park Zoo know that you will boycott them should they continue with Drag Story Time.

Your voice matters!! Sign now!!