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15th Mar 2018

Drag queens are reading stories in to kids in schools and parents are divided

The programme has been rolled out in UK schools.

Anna O'Rourke

There's been a mixed response to drag queens reading stories in schools

Drag Queen Story Time is now a thing and we, for one, are all for it.

The programme does exactly what it says on the tin – drag queens are invited to come to schools and read stories for children in order to teach them about gender identity and promote inclusivity.

ITV’s This Morning shone a light on the story this week by visiting Parson Street Primary School in Bristol in the UK where a drag queen was reading to the pupils.

Drag queens are reading stories in to kids in schools and parents are divided

“I’ve always had a positive reaction from the Drag Queen Story Times I’ve done in schools,” said Alyssa Van Dell, one of the six drag queens in the UK group.

“The parents have come and they’ve seen its just a little theatre and a story with a few visuals.”

She says she doesn’t make the readings specifically about gender or sexuality.

“I don’t really focus on LGBT issues with Drag Queen Story Time. I always stick to the thing of let kids be kids. I focus mainly on being different.”

Drag queens are reading stories in to kids in schools and parents are divided

Principal Jamie Barry said the story events are a hit with pupils.

“I also think it will support the work we’ve been doing with our children over the last couple of years to make them see there are no rules along gender identity and sexual orientation.

Lots of people watching at home welcomed the idea.

Some others thought it was inappropriate.

There are even those in the US, where the idea originated, who believe Drag Queen Story Time is a left-wing tactic to indoctrinate children.

“While this story time is ostensibly meant to introduce children to new ideas and open their minds, it is clear that the events skew in a particular political direction,” wrote blogger Amelia Hamilton in the National Review.

Where do you stand on Drag Queen Story Time? Would it work here in Ireland? Share your thoughts in the Facebook comments.