A letter, reportedly sent out to multiple monetary sponsors of the Kewanee Pride Festival, is making its rounds on social media and causing both anger and concern among the festival’s supporters.

The letter was sent to at least three sponsors and expresses disappointment that the organization or business sponsored the event. Citing Bible verses that the letter’s author claims to show that “homosexuality and transvestitism [sic] are plainly contrary to scripture,” the author goes on to say that they are “praying for this event to fail spectacularly.” The author then asks for the sponsor to be more discerning in their sponsorships. The letter is signed and shows the author’s address.

Jerry Thompson, finance officer for the American Legion Post 31, said he was a recipient of the letter, dated May 25, 2023. Thompson, who is in charge of doling out donations for the American Legion, said he heard that he wasn’t alone in receiving it.

“How can you hate people just because they are different if you’re supposed to be a good Christian?” Thompson said.

He received the letter before the Memorial Day Service on Monday and spoke privately at the event to some of his fellow members of the Legion about it. Thompson said that he presented the donation to the board, and the motion to make the donation was approved.

Thompson said that he frequently gets letters from groups requesting money, and he usually tries to send out something, and “no one has ever come back and criticized” who he gave money to.

“They aren’t hurting anyone by putting on a festival,” Thompson said.

Taurean Bond, who is the chair of the Kewanee Commission on Human Relations and sits on the subcommittee for the pride festival said he has a copy of the letter.

“Despite recent attempts to diminish our upcoming event, efforts from those individuals involved only enhanced our community’s support.”

Bond said the Commission on Human Relations is geared towards diversity, inclusion and education. Each commission members’ goal is to ensure that every citizen in Kewanee knows they have the right to exist in our community.

“We will not be discouraged in our activism by hatred, bullying or false one-sided views on Christianity,” he said.

Bond is the grandson of the late Rev. Dan W. Bond, and said in spite of what the letter states, he knows God loves him.

“While some voiced frustration and concerns surrounding the upcoming Pride Fest, others have shown support through social media shares, monetary donations, notes of encouragement and support,” said Bond.

But even among those who support the pride fest and its goal, there are some who are voicing concern about the safety of attending the event. The letter, they say, could serve to incite violence and make it unsafe to go out and celebrate.

Kewanee Deputy Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski spoke to The Kewanee Voice about the security plans in place for the event. The Kewanee Police Department has not heard about any counter protests scheduled to take place that day, he said.

“We’ve not had anyone say there will be a protest,” said the deputy chief.

While there hasn’t been any public announcements made about protests, Kijanowski said that KPD will conduct security measures as it does with any festival, such as the Hog Days Festival.

The department has assigned one dedicated officer, he said. That officer, combined with the normal patrol and five officers on standby for the day, should ensure that attendees are safe.

In an effort to avoid giving the impression that the department expects protests or the impression that they are policing the people putting on the event, Kijanowski said one officer with patrol and backup should be enough.

“This is the first time with this event,” Kijanowski said, “so we want an officer there. There are procedures in place. We have our policies and procedures for these kinds of events.”

Kijanowski has been working closely with committee members Sarah Hughes and Bond, but what they have been hearing from those who oppose the festival is that they plan to stay away.

“As it gets closer, and if we think one officer isn’t enough. . . they can add officers,” he said.