Drag Storytime programs are a unique way to get children excited about reading and creativity, while celebrating the diversity of our community and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these kinds of events!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the library offering this program?
The Library is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and part of that mandate is creating 2SLGBTQ+ positive spaces. In queer-friendly spaces, children and adults of all ages and identities are able to see people who defy rigid gender roles, and imagine a world where everyone has the freedom to be their authentic selves. Drag Storytimes are also a fun way to celebrate learning and play, and to encourage children to be creative and to develop the literacy skills they need as they move through school and life.
What are the benefits of Drag Storytimes?
Drag has always fostered a sense of community and brought people together in appreciation of the art form. The whimsy and creativity of Drag performers resonates with people of all ages and delights children in particular. Attendees of programs like this often cite the tremendous positive impact it has for them to have positive, unabashedly queer representation celebrated at the library.
What is Drag?
Drag is an artistic form of self-expression. Drag Artists often express different aspects of their gender identity or personality through dressing up and performing. While Drag is an important part of many queer communities and has a long history in 2SLGBTQ+ spaces, anyone can be a Drag Artist regardless of how they identify in everyday life.
Should I call the Drag Artist “he,” “she,” “they” or something else?
You can ask! It is okay to ask someone what their pronouns are, and to identify your own. Some Drag Artists use different pronouns when in Drag than they do when not performing, and others use the same pronouns all the time.
Is this program appropriate for children?
Like all of our children’s programs, this event will be child-friendly and age-appropriate. Most children naturally will explore gender identity and norms through imaginative play throughout their childhood. Often, heteronormative gender norms are socially enforced at all ages, from the clothes and colours we are supposed to wear, to the toys that kids are allowed to play with. There is no evidence that programs celebrating gender diversity and gender fluidity are harmful to children, but there is evidence that homophobia and transphobia do harm children.
I’m unhappy the Library is offering this program.
If this program does not interest you, we respect your choice not to attend and hope that you will find a program at the Library that does interest you. We offer a variety of programs, including a number of Storytime programs by storytellers not in Drag, and we welcome you to attend those. Ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for supervising library use by their – and only their – children. The Library does not allow individuals to decide how the rest of the community uses the Library.
Much of the content on this webpage was adapted from work done by Drag Queen Story Hour and other 2SLGBTQ+ organizations. To learn more about Drag Storytime programs, 2SLGBTQ+ history and Pride, we recommend the following online resources and articles:
https://www.dragstoryhour.org/
https://www.teachwire.net/news/drag-queen-story-time/