Chicago, IL – Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has agreed to compensate one of its employees for a drag performance at a public school event, as revealed by documents obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation through a public records request.
According to the documents, the hospital paid $500 to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to cover the cost of a drag performance by Jose Dominguez Magdaleno during the school district’s “Galaxy Summit” in May. The summit aimed to create inclusive spaces to celebrate and educate students about the diversity within the CPS community, featuring art, workshops, and performances.
In an email dated April 15, Magdaleno, who serves as an intake specialist at CPS and a health educator at Lurie Children’s Hospital, contacted hospital officials to discuss the event. Magdaleno mentioned the possibility of limiting invitations to organizations working directly with LGBTQ+ youth, transgender and nonconforming youth of color, and other marginalized groups due to the high interest in the summit. The email also mentioned the distribution of condoms to students by vendors and the potential availability of Naloxone, a medication used to treat overdoses, at the event.
In late April and early May, Dawn Ravine, the hospital’s sexuality education program coordinator, informed CPS’ sexual health specialist that the hospital would be sponsoring Magdaleno’s drag performance. The hospital agreed to pay $500 to CPS to cover the performance costs and an additional $500 directly to Magdaleno. Magdaleno identifies as a drag artist, educator, and arts education administrator.
Lurie Children’s Hospital faced criticism recently for producing and promoting videos featuring adults discussing transgenderism and sexual orientation with children. It was also discovered that the hospital was collaborating with local school districts to endorse sex toys and gender-affirming items in classrooms.
The hospital has been charging school districts up to $1,500 for workshops on inclusive sexual health education practices, which promote the National Sexuality Education Standards (NSES). These workshops discuss topics such as sexual orientations and various sexual activities based on grade levels.
While the drag performance at the Galaxy Summit sparked controversy, it is essential to note that CPS is a large district with diverse schools, and this event was one among many workshops and activities offered. The focus of the summit was to foster inclusivity and educate students on a range of topics related to mental health, social justice, and diversity.