Although drag queens have always been a crucial part of LGBTQ+ culture, these vibrant performers have become a prominent subject matter in far-right politics over the past decade. Perhaps the most controversial talking point of this conservative-led debate has been Drag Story Hour (DSH), a global queer initiative that has been wrongfully labelled as “harmful for young children”.

As these anti-queer narratives circulate, it’s important to get some facts straight about Drag Story Hour. Let’s take a look at the origins of these events and how they have evolved as an LGBTQ+ tradition.

Drag Story Hour originated in San Francisco at a local bookstore on Market Street. The idea gained formal traction in 2015 when queer author Michelle Tea partnered with Radar Productions to host a reading at the San Francisco Public Library. The event recruited drag queen Per Sia to perform a colourful reading of stories at the library. The children in attendance loved her.

It makes sense why this event was so popular. Children are notorious for having trouble sitting still, especially during a reading or a lesson of some kind. However, when the person speaking is dressed in a fabulous outfit and reading with a theatrical voice, like in Drag Story Hour, it is much easier for children to be engaged and listen closely to the story.

 

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Drag Story Hour became an official non-profit organisation soon after its first event, with frequent drag readings occurring across the country. Soon, this queer tradition spread all over the world, with several events taking place even in Ireland.

Despite the light-hearted nature of the events, the far-right has employed harmful anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric against them in recent years. One completely unfounded narrative that drag queens are abusing children has circulated amongst conservative groups.

Such events are also often met with violent action from far-right groups. In August 2025, two performers were subjected to a campaign of online abuse following a Drag Story Hour event held at Hollywood Arches Library in Belfast. A group of far-right agitators gathered outside the library during the reading in an attempt to disrupt the event, resulting in it being cancelled early.

A significant source of this discourse and violence is a lack of education as to what Drag Story Hour actually is. There is no so-called LGBTQ+ agenda being forced on anyone; it is simply an opportunity for children to read in an inclusive, safe, and fun environment.

In an effort to educate the general public on Drag Story Hour and LGBTQ+ events, MSNBC and The New Yorker produced a short film in August 2024. Directed by David France, the 11-minute short documentary It’s Okay follows two young children at a reading led by drag queen Shelita Bonet Hoyle. The documentary attempts to shine a light on the positive experiences that children have during Drag Story Hour, a perspective that is often left out in debates.

Drag Story Hour is still running, and drag queens are still sharing stories with different communities. Despite political backlash and harmful rhetoric, the LGBTQ+ community remains steadfast in its commitment to creating safe spaces for people of all backgrounds to enjoy.

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