Have this story read to you on my Medium Post.
When I first learned about the Drag Queen Story Hour, my first thought was that it might be a fantastic idea; of course, I was under the impression that this was going to be a comedy show in which Drag Queens would tell their audience interesting and funny stories about their life as a drag queen, and that the show was intended for adults. It has never once occurred to me that drag queens might read stories to much younger audiences. Before offering my thoughts on the matter, this article will explain the background and purpose of the event in question.
How did this originate?
As the name implies, Drag Queen Story Hour is a group that organizes drag queens to read to kids at various venues such as libraries, schools, and bookstores. The organization’s mission is to provide a safe environment where young people can discuss and explore issues of gender identity and expression, as well as self-acceptance and personal agency. Since its inception in 2015 by author and activist Michelle Tea, this organization has expanded its reach to more than 25 countries. The organization provides a one-of-a-kind experience for children and their families by having drag queens read stories, sing songs, and engage in activities with them enjoyably and interactively.
The story hour is dedicated to fostering an environment that celebrates self-expression while promoting diversity and acceptance. This organization’s mission is to provide a welcoming space for kids of all identities and cultures. Children are given the opportunity to explore their identities and express themselves in a constructive and empowering manner by the drag queens through the use of stories and activities that they present. In addition, Drag Queen Story Hour provides educational programming and resources for parents, teachers, and librarians to support them in their efforts to promote acceptance and inclusivity in their respective communities.
What sort of reaction does it get from the community as a whole?
The community’s reception to Drag Queen Story Hour has been ambivalent. Many believe the organization is inappropriate and offensive; however, some people consider it a positive and inclusive way to introduce children to different cultures and self-expression. According to proponents of the organization, it is essential to introduce children to various points of view and educate them on how to be accepting and open-minded, they argue. There is some concern among those who oppose the story hour that it is too provocative and offensive, and there is also some concern that it could have a negative impact on younger generations. Only time will reveal how the community will react to the organization and what kind of impact it will have.
What are the opinions of those who believe this to be a good idea?
The mission of Drag Queen Story Hour is to provide a welcoming space that is free from discrimination and safe for children of varying identities and origins. Although drag queens are known for their provocative and ostentatious attire, this is not the case when they attend story hour events. The organization adheres to stringent guidelines to ensure that the content is suitable for a young audience and that the environment is secure and welcoming for all community members. The drag queens who participate in the events have also received training on interacting with the children responsibly and respectfully.
But what do I think?
Although I can appreciate that parents want their children to be open-minded and tolerant of those who are different, this is not an experience that should be forced upon young children because it is not necessary for their development. The act of a drag queen is a show that is restricted to adults only and consists of men dressing up as flamboyantly feminine characters while wearing exceptionally provocative attire. Acceptance is one thing, but this is taking things too far.
I am aware that the assertion is that they are not wearing clothing that could be considered revealing, and for the most part, this is what I am finding online; however, some videos and photos demonstrate that this assertion is not always accurate. Even though it appears this rarely occurs, it, unfortunately, does occur. It would appear that the males who read the stories are not screened very thoroughly very often, as sexual predators have been discovered to be a part of this group.
I know you think it’s harmless fun, but I don’t understand why you want to bring your child to see a drag queen read to him or her. Is there something you’re trying to prove here? Your attempt to win some approval for your acceptance is something parents such as myself cannot comprehend for such a young child. To even entertain the idea that something like this should be tolerated is completely bonkers.
That doesn’t make me a bigot, and it certainly doesn’t qualify me as a phobic, either. Before we continue any further with those insane nonacceptances of my viewpoints, let’s first address a phrase that you all love to say in this particular circumstance. It’s always transphobic, homophobic, and I’m guessing dragphobic or something along those lines — those who say this need to learn words. The term “phobic” refers to an extreme level of fear. It’s not your typical apprehension. Someone with a phobia of the words you pick would be so terrified that they wouldn’t dare venture outside if they thought they might be confronted with his or her fear. I know, I’ve heard it all before: “words change over time.” Well, they certainly do not. I know they don’t because people have misinterpreted the word “anxious” to mean “eager” for decades; yet, the term has always been and continues to be a derivative of anxiety and means nervousness (quite the opposite of eagerness).
My argument is that this is unnecessary, and no one has given me a valid reason why it should be deemed appropriate. We are all aware that a drag queen show is a form of entertainment intended exclusively for adults. It seems that ever since this story hour began, taking the kids to a drag show has become the norm with some parents. We are also instructed to accept that an eleven-year-old boy should be permitted to dress in drag and have grown men throw money at him. How did society degenerate to the point where we must encourage sex-themed situations amongst children as young as three? I get that the story hour might not have a sexual focus, but you still have to approach it with your eyes wide shut if you wish to introduce your child to gender confusion theater.
Aside from that, one of the things that pushes me away from acceptance is the reactions felt when I pose even the slightest concern. It’s as if anyone who gives apprehension is immediately treated as though he or she is a murderer. I assure you that my opinion, that a preschooler does not require having stories read to them by a drag queen, will not bring about the end of the world or halt any movement (unless your movement is what I fear and that of which to indoctrinate children). It only demonstrates pure insanity when a person reacts in a certain way when they receive feedback against an act as such, and it causes me to double down further in a direction that you may not like; in fact, it pushes people like me to cheer on laws that are being created to ban such activities because no one can rationally explain why I need to accept this. It is always “reee reeee,” — acting like you must be heavily medicated and locked in a room. It is because of you, not me, that I cannot accept this insanity.
Conclusion
If you are over 18 and want to see an entertaining show, go to a drag queen show. In all honesty, it doesn’t matter to me. It makes no difference to me if my grown children decide to watch a show. It is entirely acceptable. I wish that my first idea of what a Drag Queen Story Hour would be was the actual story here because not only would that be more appropriate, but it also has the potential to be quite entertaining. Having kids read stories by drag queens while trying to push a gender ideology on them is weird and feels wrong in too many ways.