Uprising Theater and Cafe

After Anti-LGBTQ Attacks, Suburban Bakery Threatened With Fines | Eater Chicago

"I found UpRising Bakery and Cafe, located about 45 miles from Chicago, has endured weeks of intimidation and vandalism after planning a family-friendly drag show; village officials have sent a letter saying the bakery is barred from holding drag shows or other “entertainment events” because the building lacks proper zoning. What began as regular community events—owner Corrina Sac says cookie-making classes and live music have been staples since opening in 2021—escalated in June to police calls, a bag of feces left outside, and a sign smearing staff as pedophiles, and Sac says the village’s move feels like discrimination and a conspiracy to interfere with her business. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois rebuked the village, and ABC Chicago reported Sac could also lose the bakery’s liquor license. Village officials contend the bakery has “fundamentally changed” its business by holding regular events and say nearby businesses complained about safety and loss of business. After vandals struck the day before a planned July 23 drag show, the bakery canceled the event and Lake in the Hills police arrested Joseph I. Collins, charging him with a felony hate crime and criminal damage to property; independent reporters have published photos linking Collins to January 6 gatherings and to members of the Proud Boys, heightening concerns about extremist involvement in the attacks while community support formed long lines around the building." - Naomi Waxman