A phenomenon is sweeping the US in which drag queens read stories to children at libraries, schools, and bookstores and it’s called Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH).

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, where dress up is real.

The brainchild of writer Michelle Tea, Drag Queen Story Hour began in San Francisco in December 2015 and spread to Brooklyn last summer, thanks to social media attention.

“I saw a Facebook post about it,” Rachel Aimee, the Drag Queen Story Hour coordinator for New York, told the New York Times, “and as soon as I saw it, I said, ‘Oh, this is what I’ve been waiting for.’”

“At first we identified branches that we thought would be excited by it,” said Eva Shapiro, the early literacy coordinator for the New York Public Library. “We didn’t want any surprises. Some neighbourhoods are less familiar with the concept. But so far everyone has been thrilled.”

Ms Aimee agreed, adding, “As long as you don’t read the comments by trolls on the website.”

Parents and children alike have praised the programme, Drag Queen Ms Sunbeam said a little girl gestured to her head-dress and said, “You look kind of like a rooster” and a boy asked her “what superhero are you?” to which she gave her standard answer “Wonder Woman”.

We really hope this wonderful event makes its way across the Atlantic and becomes a regular event in libraries across Ireland.

Find out more about Drag Queen Story Hour on their website or follow them on Facebook.

Watch Drag Queen Story Hour below: