To inspire educators to bring playful practices into their classrooms, we highlight a colourful and heartwarming program that has emerged in libraries, community events, and schools across the globe — Drag Story Hour. This innovative initiative combines the art of drag with the joy of reading, aiming to foster a love of books, encourage acceptance of diversity, and promote open-mindedness. Drag Story Hour is exactly what it sounds like; drag artists reading stories to children in learning spaces. Dressed in their most fabulous attire, these performers captivate young audiences with their flamboyance and flair, bringing stories to life in a way that is both entertaining and educational. This week in the Scarfe Digital Sandbox, we take a closer look at what Drag Story Hour is all about, its digital resources, and the impact it has on communities.
Drag Story Hour (DSH) was created by Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions, under the leadership of Juli Delgado Lopera and Virgie Tovar, in San Francisco, as well as through the guidance of queens like Ona and Lil Miss Hot Mess. DSH started out as drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores and grew into a global phenomenon! DSH offers literary and creative programming for kids and teens of all ages led by drag queens, kings, and creatures all over the world. DSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish.
Drag Story Hour celebrates reading through the glamorous art of drag. Their global network creates diverse, accessible, and cultural inclusive family programming where kids can express their full selves through a fun, playful, creative activity. The events are designed to provide children with positive and unabashedly queer role models, showing them that it’s okay to be different and that diversity is something to be celebrated, not feared. The following short film titled: “Tall Tales with True Queens” offers a glimpse into this inclusive project of DSH and the way it is reshaping teaching spaces. The short film shows how DSH has become a fresh addition to children’s learning in a growing number of libraries and schools. Watch how young children embrace the sequins, bright colors and learn to celebrate a spectrum of identity.
As an organization that promotes social justice through cultural literacy, Drag Story Hour is committed to anti-racism and uplifting BIPOC queer and trans voices! With a deep commitment to leveraging the tools of storytelling and the art of drag for social justice, they stand in solidarity with the urgent work of diverse anti-oppressive movements. DSH aims to support children in becoming anti-racist leaders, thereby contributing to the creation of a more equitable world. This year, DSH will celebrate Native American Heritage by hosting a special Story Hour featuring Indigenous Drag Storytellers like Lady Shug, Tatianna Matthews, and Landa Lakes. Lady Shug captivates audiences yearly with the wonderful story “Fry Bread.” These events underscore DSH’s commitment to amplifying BIPOC voices, featuring a range of anti-racist and Indigenous stories with a powerful message: “Let’s decolonize our bookshelves!”
Through storytelling and creativity, Drag Story Hour teaches children about gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable. By bringing the flamboyant and expressive world of drag into educational spaces, children not only learn about respect and empathy but also self-empowerment and building character. DSH is committed to fostering diverse, accessible, and secure environments everywhere. They’ve expanded their reach by offering livestream experiences, bringing the enchantment of story hour to virtual spaces. This initiative thoughtfully considers privacy, context, and location to meet the needs of the community’s most vulnerable members. Their website also features a range of fun and fabulous digital resources, from creating art activities to reading lists, to bring a little sparkle into the classroom!
If you are looking for something local…Storytelling with Drag Queens is Canada’s premiere Drag Storytime! They had their first event in May 2017 on Commercial Drive and have been doing virtual and in-person events ever since. The Storytelling with Drag Queens Foundation’s mandate is to promote diversity and inclusion in literacy for children, teens and adults. It consists of a diverse group of 2S/LGTBQ+ BIPOC drag performers and their allies who read stories, participate in sing-a-longs and perform for libraries, schools and other community organizations. The group also represents the drag community and answers questions from the audience about their performances and gender identities. The Foundation seeks to provide a diverse set of queer role models in a fun and inclusive environment that promotes reading and comprehension through queer and inclusive literature.
Drag Story Hour represents a bold and beautiful intersection of literacy and diversity. It challenges traditional norms and offers a vibrant celebration of queerness and inclusivity, all while promoting joy and playful practices. By fostering an environment where differences are not just accepted but celebrated, DSH is paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate future for all children. Are you looking to learn more about the power of drag in education? SOGI UBC hosted a special event on the queer art of drag and the sparkly possibilities it offers as a form of public pedagogy. This event featured a lively panel discussion with Lil Miss Hot Mess (Drag Story Hour), Maiden China (Storytelling with Drag Queens) and Grace Towers (Queens of the Castro). Don’t miss out and watch this fabulous resource.
Finally, I’m honoured to share a film about drag that I am featured in titled: “Drag is For Everyone,” a film by Love Intersections that premiered on September 20th at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival as part of the “Coast is Queer” local program! The film was created in response to the rise in right-wing transphobic and anti-drag protests, especially those targeting the fabulous drag camp at Carousel Theatre. On the same day as the premiere, there was another transphobic protest, but it was powerful to see co-conspirators come together for a counter-protest, standing up against hate. Everyone who showed up supports SOGI Education, and continues to celebrate two-spirit, queer, trans, and non-binary youth! If you haven’t seen the film yet, check it out below to share in the joy and strength of our community, and to continue to protect 2S/LGBTQ+ youth. Drag is for Everyone!
Guest post by Peer Mentor Daniel Gallardo Zamora (Ph.D. EDST), Nov. 2024.
