DIGGING DEEPER SERIES #1

October 18, 2024

Ottawa Impact advocates for people, individual rights, child innocence, and truth in the public square.

This is the first article in a series of investigative reports about individuals and groups supporting the progressive left’s ideological agenda in the public square.

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With the help of the Democrat crossover vote, Jim Barry won the August 2024 Republican primary for Ottawa County Commissioner, District 1—which is Port Sheldon Township, Olive Township, and parts of Park Township.

Jim Barry claims he is an “independent thinking, conservative Republican.” Our investigation shows Barry has strong ties with a progressive liberal agenda.

Barry’s website says he is a “long-term Ottawa County resident who’s concerned about the direction of county government.” Everyone wants good government, but finding it may be difficult.

Barry touts that he “served as a longstanding Park Township representative to the Herrick District Library Board of Trustees,” as its Treasurer. Being on the Herrick District Library Board isn’t the accomplishment Barry thinks it is, especially as the Treasurer handling the money that was buying the books.

Here are a few books in the Kid’s sections at the Herrick District Library for grades preschool to third grade:

“The Hips on the Drag Queen go Swish, Swish, Swish” —This book encourages readers to boldly be exactly who they are. Written by a founding member of the nationally recognized Drag Queen Story Hour, this playful picture book offers a quirky twist on a classic nursery rhyme by illustrating all of the ways to “work it.” The story plays off “The Wheels on the Bus” as it follows a drag queen who performs her routine in front of an awestruck audience. A fun frenzy of fierceness, this book will appeal to readers of all ages.

“If You’re a Drag Queen and You Know It” —Strike a pose. Blow a kiss. Mouth the words. A fun, sing-along book with a drag twist that encourages kids to embrace all the playfulness of drag culture. If you’re a drag queen and you know it, let it show by winking, shaking your bum, laughing real big, twirling around, and more! Join a cast of fabulous drag queens as you sing along to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It” in this playful celebration of expressing your brightest and boldest self.

“When Aidan became a Brother” —This book celebrates the changes in a transgender boy’s life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother. When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name, his room looked like a girl’s room, and he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. After he realized he was a trans boy, Aidan and his parents fixed the parts of life that didn’t fit anymore, and he settled happily into his new life. With the most important thing about being a big brother: how to love with his whole self.

As mentioned, Jim Barry served in leadership on the library board, and he was also the Treasurer. Books like these increase the mental health problem that America is facing. Parents might ask if Barry lacks proper judgement when there is cultural pressure. Is having these books available to children an oversight?

Perhaps not.

“Liza and I are actively involved with Grace Episcopal Church in Holland. I chair the Grace Endowment Board and have served on Vestry and as Church Treasurer,” Barry shares on his website.

Grace Episcopal Church is led by Reverend Jen Adams, a longtime vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ agenda.

The church’s mission statement: We gather to be grace for one another and represent an expanding diversity of ages, experiences, ethnicities, genders, orientations, and perspectives. We listen to stories from Scripture and share the sacramental rhythm of worship in preparation to go out and share the good news of Christ’s love in a world that hungers for more grace!

On June 6, 2024, Grace Episcopal Church posted: “Happy Pride Month! This year marks OVER 20 YEARS of Holland PRIDE, and Grace has been in on the celebration since the beginning.”

Jim Barry’s church has been involved in Gay Pride events in Holland and Ottawa County for years, pushing a progressive LGBTQ agenda.

Partners

Barry’s church, Grace Episcopal, partners with PFLAG, a national LGBTQ+ activist group. In addition to supporting Gay Pride events which historically and controversially expose children to sexualized content, the partnership with PFLAG should be concerning to a “conservative Republican,” which Barry claims to be.

PFLAG is the United States’ largest advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, with a focus on LGBTQ+ activism. You can learn more about them on their Facebook page.

PFLAG promotes LGBTQ+ content for children, including apparel with their messaging like “Trans is beautiful.”

PFLAG has strong ties with the Democrat Party and lists its current policy priorities as reducing violence against transgender individuals, increasing gun control laws, implementing stronger hate crime penalties, increasing resources for HIV and STD prevention, expanding immigration, toughening enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and declaring gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender statuses to be protected classes under anti-discrimination laws.

In the PFLAG video below, the speaker says:

“Silence is not an option. Violence [against the LGBTQ+ community] is bound to happen. It’s bound to happen in a world where our political leaders legitimize hate and violence, where too many faith leaders add to this message by marginalizing people in their congregations, and influencers are encouraging hate and active violence against our community.”

She then goes on to vocalize support for gun control and “gender affirming” surgeries for children, which cause irreversible lifelong harm, and bash the Family Research Council which advocates for family-centered values and a biblical worldview.

Does “conservative Republican” Jim Barry support the far-left agenda of PFLAG and Grace Episcopal Church? Does his party’s platform and principles align with his associations and advocacy work?

And what about the drag queen books for preschoolers at the Herrick District Library?

Surrounding himself with progressive activism, one must question if Jim Barry is conservative after all.

It appears the Ottawa County Republican Party questioned Barry’s stance, because they endorsed current Commissioner and Write-In Candidate Gretchen Cosby for the same district (District 1) in the November election.

This is a developing story. We will post updates as they develop.