Man Makes Initial Court Appearance In Drag Show Hate Crime Case

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — A homophobic slur and "Christ is King" were among the phrases spray-painted on the side of a Lake in the Hills bakery during a vandalism incident over the weekend, prompting the cancellation of a planned drag show.

The accused vandal also used a baseball bat to break a glass door at UpRising Bakery & Cafe, and spray-painted "groomers" on the side of the building on the day a family-friendly drag show was supposed to take place, according to court documents.

Joseph I. Collins, of the 11700 block of South Ridgeway in Alsip, made his initial court appearance Tuesday in McHenry County. He is charged with a hate crime and criminal damage to property in connection with the incident that happened at the bakery, located at 2104 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills, during the early morning hours Saturday.

Police responded at about 12:05 a.m. to UpRising Bakery & Cafe for a criminal damage to property report. They found Collins a short time later after he fled on foot, according to a news release from the Lake in the Hills Police Department.

According to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County, the damage exceeded $500 but was not more than $10,000.

On Sunday, Collins posted 10 percent of his $10,000 bail and was released from custody.

The bakery, which opened in November, has been hosting drag shows in recent months, selling tickets for children and adults. It's been lauded by local gay couples for its "chill vibes," becoming a hangout for them.

In recent weeks, the cafe saw backlash from some regarding its upcoming drag show, which had been planned for Saturday evening. Those who were upset claimed the business was targeting children by selling tickets meant for those under the age of 18 years old.

Critics of the Brunch at Night drag show, which sold out for its July 23 performance, say tickets priced lower for children made it look like the business was trying to draw children to the event, according to the Daily Herald. But Sac says the ticket price was lower because it cost less to make the meals for children. She said she worked with performers to make sure the family friendly show was not too risqué.

Police did investigate claims over whether the show was inappropriate for children to attend, and did not find it to be in violation of any village ordinance. The performance, police said, did not include any nudity or sexually explicit content.

In the days prior to the drag show, police sent out a press release regarding protests and counter-protests planned at the business. They also let the public know they'd be keeping an eye out for any criminal activity and that they were investigating reports by UpRising regarding threats made in response to the drag show.

Among the threats, Sac said, was a bag of dog feces left outside the door of the cafe with a note that read "pedophiles work here," according to ABC 7 Chicago.

"Someone came in, did a perimeter walk around our cafe, commented on how disgusting and dirty it was, and then spit on our case," she told the news station last week. She said people also attacked her business online, leaving bad reviews, according to the Daily Herald.

Authorities have not said if Collins has been linked to any of the past threats against UpRising or if more charges would be filed in connection with threats leveled against the business.

Drag Show Cancelled Following Vandalism

Following Saturday's incident, Sac announced the drag show planned for that evening would be cancelled. The business reopened on Sunday, selling out of "everything" after crowds stopped out to show their support.

On Monday, Sac said she's been extremely touched by the outpouring of support.

"(The support) shows us that there's more love in the world than hate, but hate does exist and that's something we need to continue to fight for and overcome as a nation - not just here in Lake in the Hills, McHenry County and Illinois," Sac said in a video posted on the cafe's Facebook page early Monday morning. "We will continue to fight for love, equality and inclusion for everyone. If anything, this makes us stronger, and I look forward to seeing new people keep coming through the door."

Sac said in her Monday morning video the door broken was in the storage area of the bakery, which left a lot of broken glass and debris. Because of this, a lot of the business' stock will need to be thrown away, she said.

The windows have been boarded up, and positive messages were written on the boards by those visiting the business. Rainbow stickers were also placed all over the boards. Sac said people can continue to write on the boards "as long as it's nice and respectful, of course."

"Hate has no home here. Love and light live here. We live here. This is our home. This is our town. This is our county. This is our fight. We’re not turning our backs or backing down now," Sacs wrote in a Sunday Facebook post.

On Saturday, UpRising shared their announcement that Saturday's drag show brunch would be cancelled, expressing sadness over the decision and stating "they did not want to back down from bullies" but had no other choice.

The cafe was open Monday with limited services and products available, including fresh coffee, beers and mimosas, she said.

Also over the weekend, a Lake in the Hills woman, who frequents the cafe with her girlfriend, started a GoFundMe to help the business out.

"We loved the chill vibes, local art that adorns their walls, and most importantly, their cupcakes," Megan Rose, who organized the fundraiser, wrote on the GoFundMe page. "This same bakery was planning on hosting a drag brunch this very weekend. I mean, as a suburb gal, I was stoked knowing I could see a drag show and not have to go into the city. But that very same excitement quickly turned into sadness as I read that the UpRising had been vandalized with homophobic slurs and destruction of property."

The GoFundMe originally set a goal of $500 and has since brought in more than $12,000.

"I have been in contact with a manager over and UpRising and they are SO grateful for this page and for the support we’ve shown! I will keep y’all posted when I am in contact with the owner and ensure everyone that their money is going directly to the bakery," Rose wrote in an update Sunday on the GoFundMe page.

Those wishing to donate can do so here.

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