Boston Public Library Schedules 19 Drag Story Hours for Children 5 and Under in June
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 27
Boston Public Library Schedules 19 Drag Story Hours for Children 5 and Under in June
5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 27
Nineteen drag queen story hour events are set across Boston Public Library branches in June, with most aimed at children 18 months to 5 years old and their families.
Seventeen sessions are scheduled to be led by performer Ms. Patty, while Rose Quartz and Just JP will host one each; the bilingual Just JP event says it will promote gender diversity, self-acceptance and empathy.
The readings are part of 46 Pride Month programs on the library’s calendar, which also includes Pride-themed crafts and a children’s concert centered on inclusivity and LGBTQ family pride.
Drag story hours for minors have drawn national controversy, with supporters framing them as literacy and inclusion programs and critics calling them inappropriate; Republican-led states including Tennessee, Texas and Florida have enacted restrictions on some drag performances involving minors.
The library did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the programming lands as Mayor Michelle Wu’s office still faces scrutiny over a separate LGBTQ-related $7,500 city grant that was returned in April.
Amidst budget shortfalls, why are public institutions funding these controversial events?
Are public libraries trading their core literacy mission for controversial social programming?
What do child development experts really think about drag story hours for toddlers?