North Cook News

Illinois House District 17 candidate Jim Geldermann is speaking out against Pride Month programming at the Northbrook Public Library, calling the events “divisionary” and part of a broader effort to “target children” and promote what he describes as a “state-established religion of moral relativism.”

“These are divisionary programs,” Geldermann told North Cook News. “They're meant to cut out these people from the community and tell them that, you know, they have special—they're a special group or a victim group or special privilege or whatever it is. And it's really aimed at dividing the community, not uniting it.”

Reading from a library program, Geldermann pointed to specific offerings, including the Allyship 101 community conversation, the LGBT Tea Party Drop-In and an opioid and naloxone education session. 

“There’s Allyship 101, A Community Conversation: learn to focus your energy and become an ally for the LGBTQ+ community and practice standing up and speaking out when it matters," he said. “There’s the opioids and naloxone education—'learn about opiates and naloxone from healthcare professionals. Adult attendees will have the opportunity to take home naloxone if they wish.’ LGBT Tea Party drop-in: Drop by to meet other members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. ‘Sip on delightful teas or lemonade, nibble on tasty treats and craft pride buttons in partnership with Youth Services of Glenview and Northbrook.’”

The library, for its part, has framed the “Pride Month” events as part of “a welcoming, inclusive environment.”  

“As part of our goal to provide we're featuring displays in the library this month, and our curated list of adult, teen, and youth titles that center LGBTQ+ characters and stories,” the Northbrook Public Library’s website reads. 

Events also include a screening and discussion of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, a 2019 French drama about a painter and her subject, on Wednesday, June 18, from 2–4 p.m. in the Pollak Room.  

“Just even reading the descriptions in the program guide, they're aimed at, ‘we're holier than thou,’” Geldermann said. “And this really comes back to that the state has established the religion of moral relativism, where you don't need a second opinion on any of the things that you think. It's that your own truth is the truth. There are no higher guiding principles.”

Geldermann, a former trustee of the Log Cabin Republicans, said such radical LGBT programming is not in line with traditional pushes for gay rights.

“The Log Cabin Republicans and Gays Against Groomers are trying to stand up for actual gay rights and not for all these offshore groups,” Geldermann said.

The Log Cabin Republicans, which has been active for over 47 years, is the largest organization representing LGBT conservatives and their allies, with members in all 50 states and more than 80 chapters nationwide. Through its PAC, Log Cabin Republicans supports electing Republicans and advocates for LGBT rights within the GOP.

Meanwhile, Gays Against Groomers is a nonprofit organization of LGBTQ+ individuals who oppose the sexualization, indoctrination and medical treatment of children under what they call radical LGBTQIA+ activism. 

Gays Against Groomers argues that gender ideology harms schools, government and the medical community, and are committed to stopping what they describe as a harmful agenda. The group has protested drag shows aimed at children, lobbied for laws against child abuse and mutilation and supported candidates who share their views. 

“These children are being targeted by predators,” Geldermann said. “And it's one thing—when I was in grade school back a long time ago—when we had sex ed, it was really an introduction to biology. Now the sex education is an introduction to sex—the sexual act—not biology. And there's a lot of different things going on, but I think a lot of these things are purposefully targeted—especially trying to destroy women’s and girls' sports, trying to completely destroy Title IX.”

Geldermann emphasized the longstanding nature of the issue, highlighting how vulnerable groups have been targeted throughout history.

"This is not a recent thing,” he said. “This has been going on for millennia—that predators target pre- and post-pubescent children, and especially women or girls."

Geldermann suggested that by sponsoring such programming any federal funding received by Northbrook Public Library could be at risk. 

“I think it really goes against the whole ban on DEI,” Gelderman said.  

Geldermann recently announced a second run for the 17th House District. 

In 2024, he lost to incumbent State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview), who received 68.7% of the vote (37,405 votes), while Geldermann received 31.3% (17,080 votes). 

The 17th District includes all or parts of Evanston, Glenview, Golf, Morton Grove, Northbrook, Skokie and Wilmette.