I’ve seen some friends of mine who have kids posting about this recently and all I could think was, “my, how times have changed.” I mean in a good way!
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It’s just hard to imagine my parents bringing me to a Drag Queen Story Hour or a local library or business even hosting something like this when I was a kid. But, like I said, times are changing for the better.
Drag Queen Story Hours are becoming more and more popular across the country as parents bring their little ones to be entertained by people dressed up in drag.
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The trend started in San Francisco in 2015 when Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions launched the first Drag Queen Story Hour. Since then, it’s become a global phenomenon.
Jonathan Hamilt, global programming director of Drag Queen Story Hour, said,
“DQSH now offers literary and creative programming for kids and teens of all ages led by drag queens, kings, and creatures all over the world.
DQSH is a global network of local organizations—almost 50 and counting—each of which is independently managed and funded.”
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Hamilt added that the organization was founded so…
“…people of all ages should be free to express ourselves, and that civic institutions like libraries, schools, and other community spaces should welcome the diversity that exists around us, even in the places where we least expect it.
For us, children’s literature can be both a mirror and a window: Books often help us see our own experiences reflected back to us and can also offer opportunities for new perspectives and adventures.”
The Story Hours are meant to teach children empathy, acceptance, diversity, and they’ll also learn about certain parts of LGBTQ history and culture.
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Hamilt said that drag queens point out,
“…the silliness, the thrill, and the powerful feelings of challenging societal expectations.
Drag questions the authority of gender norms, which can be very empowering, especially for kids who don’t necessarily fit into rigid or prescribed gender roles where they may frequently find themselves.”
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Although extremely popular across the country, Drag Queen Story Hour is bound to be controversial because some people will object to it.
What do you think about these events? Have you taken your children to a Drag Queen Story Hour?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
