Will County Gazette

Illinois State Senate District 43 candidate Jen Monson has expressed concern over an upcoming event, stating, "I take issue with soliciting to children and expect more from the adults who promote events that are open to the public." She made this statement in an August 30 Facebook post.

"I am a live and let live type of person and believe in the rights protected by The Constitution but I have just one question," said Monson, according to Facebook. "Why is it that these particular performers require an audience with children? I take issue with soliciting to children and expect more from the adults who promote events that are open to the public."

In her post, Monson shared a link to a Shaw Local article discussing an all-ages queer variety show scheduled at Critical Grind Board Game Café and the Shorewood Village Board’s reaction to the event. The Village Board indicated that there is nothing in state law preventing the quarterly event from occurring. According to Shaw Local, the café hosts various other events, including trivia nights, a silent book club, networking for writers, pop-up bakeries, and art classes.

Screenshot of Jen Monson's Aug. 30 Facebook post | Jen Monson for IL State Senate District 43 Facebook page

"We believe that everyone, regardless of age, race, gender or orientation, deserves a space where they can feel safe, respected and celebrated for who they are," said Dana Buxbaum, co-owner of the café.

At the August 27 meeting of the Village Board, one individual spoke against the event. Sheri Tucci stated that the event was "marketed and soliciting specifically minors," according to Shaw Local. Tucci noted that the shop is not one of the three entities—libraries, schools, and museums—exempt from restrictions on "questionable and what we would consider pornographic materials."

Critical Grind Board Game Café posted on its Facebook page on September 3 about the all-ages queer variety show scheduled for September 22, 2024. The event is hosted by Jolene Jett and features performers Portia, Azula Lynn, Candi Forest, and Taco Minaj. The show starts at noon with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. Admission is $5 cash at the door for individuals under 15 and $15 for those aged 16 and older. Critical Grind Café is located at 852 Sharp Drive, Unit K in Shorewood.

Jen Monson is the Republican nominee for Illinois State Senate District 43. She ran uncontested in the primary election. According to her campaign website, she is an educator and school board member who aims to "work to maintain citizen rights and their ability to exercise their God-given rights to exist and live freely without unconstitutional government overreach."