Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) 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. DQSH started out as drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores and grew into a global phenomenon! DQSH offers literary and creative programming for kids and teens of all ages led by drag queens, kings, and creatures all over the world. DQSH 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 Queen 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 authentic selves and become bright lights of change in their communities. Watch below “Tall Tales with True Queens” a short film that offers a glimpse into this inclusive project and the way it is reshaping culture. The short film shows how Drag Queen Story Hour 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.
Drag Queen Story Hour is committed to creating diverse, accessible, and safe spaces. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they started doing livestream experiences to continue the story hour magic and taking into account public health measures, and to consider the needs of the most at-risk community members. Last year, DQSH hosted Native American Heritage Story Hour with Indigenous Drag Storytellers: Lady Shug, Tatianna Matthews and Landa Lakes! Lady Shug read the fabulous story Fry Bread! During these virtual events, DQST has highlighted the importance of amplifying BIPOC voices and have featured several anti-racist and Indigenous stories with the message: Let’s decolonize our bookshelves!
As March is Women’s History Month, Cholula Lemon of Drag Queen Story Hour NYC celebrates herstory with famous Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo reading the book Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales and listen to the story and get inspired!!! You can join Cholula Lemon, Paradise, and Lori Lu for five Drag Queen Story Hour programs in Spanish, French, and English! These pre-recorded video programs will be available to watch on NYPL’s Little Learners website from Monday, March 8 through Friday, March 12, but make sure to return to the website as they feature weekly videos. Drag Queen Story Hour provides a range of fun and fabulous educational experiences for children and teens virtually!
Through storytelling and creativity, Drag Queen 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. So now, do you ever wish school had a little more … sparkle? Join SOGI UBC on March 15 to close out the Transformative Education Speaker Series with a special event on the queer art of drag and the possibilities it offers as a form of public pedagogy. This event will feature a lively panel discussion with Lil Miss Hot Mess (a Drag Queen Story Hour founding queen), Maiden China (a local Vancouver drag artist known for disrupting identity expectations) and Grace Towers (a San Fransisco artist), facilitated by UBC’s own Dr. Harper B. Keenan, the Robert Quartermain Professor of Gender & Sexuality Research in Education. Don’t miss out – this event is sure to be fabulous!
Register for both the panel and special pre-show workshop using the links below!
SOGI UBC Transformative Education Speaker Series Workshop facilitated by Dr. Harper Keenan (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
Register for the workshop here
SOGI UBC Transformative Education Speaker Series Panel featuring Lil Miss Hot Mess, Maiden China & Grace Towers, facilitated by Dr. Harper Keenan (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
Register for the panel here
