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Is Drag Queen Story Hour appropriate for compulsory School Education learners?

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Is Drag Queen Story Hour appropriate for compulsory School Education learners?
Drag Queen Story Hour UK will stimulate your child's imagination and enthusiasm
for reading by providing them with an entirely fresh, fulfilling experience, one page at a time
(Drag Queen Story Hour UK, 2022). Drag queens read children's stories as part of the
continuous Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) storytelling series, which takes place in public
libraries and bookstores. This activity aims to teach kids the value of recognizing gender
expression and diversity and the significance of empathy and compassion (Safe Schools
Alliance UK, 2022). DQSH also wants to give kids the self-assurance to express their
identities and creative side, especially LGBTQ adolescents. There are numerous discussions
over whether this incident should be covered in the required school curriculum because it
may have positive and harmful effects on the students.
Many people have condemned the event as it has traveled from LGBTQ-friendly
places like San Francisco to more conservative communities like Lafayette. There is a
growing push to forbid cities from holding Drag Queen Story Queen Hours. The balloon
barricade is a counter-protest where participants chat pleasantly while holding balloons and
picketing signs with encouraging messages. People hoist balloons and pickets with posters
bearing encouraging messages as part of the balloon barrier, which is effectively a counter-
protest. The purpose is to protect the kids from getting angry. After numerous cancellations
and two lawsuits, Aimee took six months to put together a successful Drag Queen Story
Hour.
While the political Left has defended these performances as an expression of LGBTQ
pride, the political Right has denounced them as sexual attacks on youngsters. Right-wing
militants connected to the Proud Boys and the Three Percenters have organized protests
against drag shows for kids. Their left-wing counterparts in the Antifa movement have
retaliated by offering to act as a protection force for the drag queens. As a result, the
intellectual debate has spilled over into actual conflict. DQSH provides a critical chance for
kids to learn about self-acceptance and express their creativity by offering a safe environment
to explore their identities and interests.
DQSH's goal is to create an environment where kids may use stories, costumes, and
drag queen personas to express themselves and interact with the world around them. This
encourages kids to be themselves and learn about the rich diversity of their communities. As
a result, there have been discussions on whether DQSH should be required in schools. While
some contend that fostering inclusiveness and acceptance of underrepresented groups is
crucial, others worry that doing so normalizes some inappropriate behaviors for young
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students. Therefore, the question of whether or not DQSH is a viable educational format for
students enrolled in compulsory schooling persists.
Phr historical evolution of DQSH
Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) has gained popularity in the US during the past few
years. The amount of study and conversation about the causes and effects of DQSH has
significantly increased. The program, which was first launched in San Francisco in 2015, has
now spread to libraries all over the country partly because of its powerful message and
emphasis on offering a secure environment for kids and families to explore their gender
identity. Drag queens recite well-known children's tales like "The Rainbow Fish" or "The Cat
in the Hat" during the story hour. After reading the stories, the drag queens will guide the
kids in a craft or activity and then engage them in an open dialogue on gender identity and
diversity. DQSH also offers a platform for drag queens to share their experiences and tales to
give kids a secure, encouraging environment to learn about their identities.
Over the past few years, Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) has become a kid-friendly
type of entertainment. This distinctive approach to early childhood education has existed
since 2012 when the San Francisco Public Library hosted its initial session. Since then,
comparable occasions have appeared worldwide, intending to educate young people about the
LGBTQIA+ community. DQSH is a storytelling-based educational experience that conveys
an important message about acceptance and diversity. DQSH has been greeted with hostility
from individuals who think this type of education is improper for students enrolled in
compulsory school instruction, even though support for it is growing.
The charity organization Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) was established in 2015 by
Michelle Tea, a well-known author and the creator of RADAR Productions. DQSH's mission
is to give kids a place to study drag culture and celebrate individuality via storytelling,
performance, and clothing. DQSH has attracted global media attention and grown to be a
well-liked educational resource for teachers, parents, and kids. Through DQSH, young people
are inspired to embrace their unique identities and creative sides and appreciate individuality.
The public has reacted to DQSH with praise and criticism, with some praising its potential to
create an exceptional environment for kids to explore gender, sexuality, self-expression, and
identity. In contrast, others have doubts about its suitability for compulsory school education.
Critical discussion of theories related to DQSH
several theories about DQSH, including the theories of gender socialization, gender
performativity, queer theory, and postmodern parenting.
Gender Socialization Theory
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According to the gender socialization theory, cultural, social, and familial forces
develop and maintain gender roles and norms. Learning how to act in society according to
cultural standards and expectations is known as gender socialization. Psychologist John Money
initially used the word in the 1950s, and since then, other academics have continued
investigating it. In a broader sense, gender socialization and identity development are closely
related since a person's gender identity can be influenced by the kinds of gender norms and
expectations that are emphasized in their environment. Thus, the existence of Drag Queen
Story Hour (DQSH) programs in public libraries questions established gender norms, gender
expectations, and traditional family values.
DQSH wants to inspire gender variety, self-expression, and conversations about gender
identity by inviting drag queens to read books to kids. Kids can explore the complexity of
gender in a fun and meaningful way at this kind of event, which offers a safe and welcoming
setting. More and more gender-nonconforming kids are now able to engage in activities that are
typically reserved for people of a different gender, such as donning makeup or dancing, thanks
to the creation of Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH). It has been discovered that doing this helps
kids understand their own gender identity and help them create a more positive self-image.
Additionally, by letting these transgender kids engage with drag queens, they are exposed to
various attire, cosmetics, and actions that can encourage them to explore various gender
expressions.
According to the theory of gender socialization, exposing kids to non-binary gender
expressions like those shown in Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) should encourage them to
reject gender stereotypes and gender-binary thinking (McCormick, 2017). Michelle Tea and
Radical Faeries founded the DQSH program in San Francisco, and it has now grown to include
over sixty cities in the US, Europe, and Australia. Drag queens read children's books at
storybook libraries as part of a program that enables children and their parents to celebrate
different gender identities. DQSH allows kids to explore their own gender identities in a safe
environment while also exposing others who may not have had access to it before to a variety
of gender expressions.
Gender performativity
The term "gender performativity" was first used by feminist philosopher Judith Butler
in her 1990 book Gender Trouble. They contend that a person's behavior is unaffected by their
gender at birth. People instead acquire certain societal norms through socialization. Gender is a
concept that is acted upon. This behavior includes how someone stands, speaks, dresses, and
behaves. This performance is referred to as "gender performativity." The gender of a person is
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not a true reflection of who they are, but rather a performance to meet social expectations.
Gender performativity theory is emphasized by Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH), a key
organization that is rapidly gaining recognition on a global scale. DQSH is an independent
organization from Drag Queen Culture, unrelated to drag. Examining gender performativity
theory, closely tied to DQSH's goal and ideals, is crucial to comprehend the importance of
DQSH. Gender is a performance, not an innate quality, according to the gender performativity
theory, and DQSH encourages children's creative expression through performance.
The performances are made to help kids identify themselves and their gender
experiences, which is crucial when gender performativity theory is becoming more prevalent.
DQSH offers several drag shows for kids of all genders as part of its commitment to be
inclusive. Community leaders, educators, and libraries have embraced DQSH's work for
supporting LGBTQ+ populations and dedication to establishing a secure environment where
kids can explore gender without fear of rejection or criticism. The gender performativity theory
contends that gender and gender roles are complex social performances that people engage in
daily. Public perceptions of "man" "masculine" and "feminine" were built on hegemonic
versions of these acts.
The term "gender performativity" was first used by feminist philosopher Judith Butler
in her 1990 book Gender Trouble. They contend that a person's behavior is unaffected by their
gender at birth. People instead acquire certain societal norms through socialization. Gender is a
concept that is acted upon. This behavior includes how someone stands, speaks, dresses, and
behaves. This performance is referred to as "gender performativity." The gender of a person is
not a true reflection of who they are, but rather a performance to meet social expectations.
According to what I understand, one of this theory's most significant ramifications is
that sexual stereotypes and the general public's knowledge of sex differences may eventually
vanish. In a patriarchal society, the relationship between sex and gender is determined by the
sex roles assigned to men and women. (2012) Sultana Everything changes since every gender is
performativity. Simply repeating the Act or imitation helps to solidify one's gender
identification or perform a specific act. In mainstream media platforms, there are many
instances of cross-gender performance or acting as the opposite sex.
Therefore, the mechanism and mainstream ideas produced by men may be threatened
and made easier if the public has a broader picture of the gender difference that is dissipating in
more instances. Gender theory and cultural studies have greatly benefited from Butler's thesis
on gender performativity. because she rejects performativity theory and gender. Butler did not
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intend for this conclusion to hold, but gender still exhibits distinct behaviors. Throughout
history, there have been changes in how people dress, act, and adhere to the law.
Queer theory
Understanding how Drag Queen Story Hours (DQSH) are portrayed in public discourse
requires queer understanding theory, a body of work established since the late twentieth
century. The queer theory proposes a framework of transgression and celebration based on
overlapping and intersecting identities to question conventional ideas of gender and sexuality.
Through a focus on minority experiences and identities, the theory also aims to challenge
dominant, heteronormative assumptions of what it means to be accepted or celebrated. The
queer theory emphasizes the views, experiences, and narratives of those historically
marginalized from a mainstream discourse by adopting an intersectional approach. The study of
queer theory aims to comprehend the social construction of gender and sexuality and the
dynamics of gender and sexuality. This theory has been employed in recent years to examine
the complexity of drag culture and its place in our society. This essay will examine Drag Queen
Story Hour (DQSH) and how queer theory relates to it. It will examine how queer theory
influenced the creation of DQSH and how those engaged used it to improve the lives of
LGBTQ+ individuals.
Postmodern parenting
A parenting style known as postmodern parenting places a strong emphasis on the
notion that kids have their agency and identities. Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) has recently
gained popularity, with events springing up in many libraries and bookstores worldwide. This
expanding trend reflects how parenting styles are evolving as more parents try to expose their
kids to diversity and provide "postmodern" parenting that embraces gender fluidity. In addition
to providing a safe and healthy environment for kids to learn, grow, and develop, it encourages
parents to support their kids. At the same time, they explore their gender and sexual identities.
Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is an organization that has elevated postmodern parenting by
using the influence of drag culture to teach kids about body positivity, self-expression, and
acceptance. In addition to reading books to kids in a fun and engaging way during DQSH
events, local drag queens also impart lessons about gender identity and acceptance.
policies and legislation related to the topic
Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) policies and laws require more and more discussion
and understanding in the context of compulsory education. DQSH has recently been
incorporated into the curricula of some educational institutions. The suitability of DQSH for
mandatory school education is still under debate, despite the attention the subject has received.
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The administration of this program is governed by state and municipal legislation, which differ
from state to state. Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) restrictions differ from state to state; thus,
it is critical to consider local laws when organizing the event. For instance, several states need
additional background checks from volunteers who work with children, including drag queens.
The average age range for participation in other states' age restrictions is between 5 and 13
years old.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that drag queens are handled respectfully and that
any delicate subjects are covered at the event acceptably and maturely. There are regulations
requiring enhanced background checks for anybody working with children in Massachusetts,
Illinois, and California, among other states. The age of participants is also regulated by law in
many states, usually between 5 and 13 years old.
In some circumstances, retailers and libraries may additionally have different rules that
should be considered. Furthermore, DQSH-related legislation is currently in development so
that adjustments can be made over time. For instance, due to worries about violating religious
convictions, several states have passed legislation prohibiting libraries from offering drag
queen story hours. Similar regulations that demand additional paperwork and background
checks for anyone hosting the activities has been passed in other states. To ensure compliance
with all relevant rules, it is crucial to keep up with the latest legislation about DQSH. During
the event, laws were established to safeguard minors from potential injury or exploitation. A
few states have also established particular guidelines for background checks on drag queens
and other volunteers. Additionally, many jurisdictions have imposed age restrictions on the
participants to guarantee that the topics covered suit all age groups.
Equality Act 2010
The Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) was created by the 2010 Equality Act to
"empower young people to express themselves and have fun"! In terms of work and other
aspects of society, people are protected by the Equality Act of 2010. It strengthened protection
in some cases and increased the legislation's clarity by consolidating prior anti-discrimination
measures into one Act. According to the Equality And Human Rights Commission, it is
prohibited to treat someone in a poor manner (Equality And Human Rights Commission,
2020). There was an enactment of the Equality Act on October 1, 2010. Over 116 pieces of
legislation have been consolidated into one law to simplify the legislative process. With the
passage of this Act, everyone has the chance to gain equal access to opportunity, and their
rights will be defended in court. A fair, just, and equitable society can be advanced with
antidiscrimination laws in the UK.
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The Equality Act 2010 was created to guarantee that everyone in the United Kingdom
has the same opportunities and rights, irrespective of their qualities (Equality And Human
Rights Commission, 2020). This comprises traits like sexual orientation, gender, age, and any
disabilities. It also includes traits like race and religion. The Act prohibits employers, service
providers, and educational institutions from discriminating against individuals based on these
traits. Additionally, it mandates that these institutions accommodate those with disabilities
reasonably. The Equality Act of 2010 combines all currently in effect anti-discrimination
statutes into a unified body of law that safeguards people from prejudice. Employers must be
aware of and abide by several protected characteristics established under the Equality Act
regarding employment. Gender, color, age, disability, and sexual orientation are a few of these
traits.
Issues related to the topic in the educational setting
An event called DQSH is a component of a broader storytime program that teaches kids
about creativity, diversity, and inclusivity. Both public and private schools have embraced the
program in the United States, Canada, and other countries. This has spurred contentious
discussions over whether DQSH should be a required component of education or if it is
inappropriate for young students. Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) has generated debate in the
educational community (Keenan & Hot Mess, 2021). As its name suggests, this program
features drag queens reading to young children. The event's goals are to encourage a culture of
gender diversity and provide kids a chance to interact with fictional characters that are
frequently underrepresented in popular culture. While detractors claim that the gatherings are
improper and could harm children's innocence, supporters claim that they foster inclusivity.
The contentious discussions surrounding DQSH center on topics such as the importance
of gender and LGBTQ+ education, book censorship, parental engagement, age appropriateness
of stories, and visibility politics. Whether DQSH is appropriate for required schooling is still
divisive and challenging to resolve. Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) also raises a complicated
range of issues relating to language, diversity, safety, consent, and values. For instance, one of
the main issues with DQSH is that it may expose kids to language and values that their parents
and teachers may not approve of. Another issue is if youngsters engaging in DQSH are too
young to make judgments about their involvement.
In conclusion, Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) has recently gained popularity, with
events springing up in numerous libraries and bookstores worldwide. This expanding trend
reflects how parenting styles are evolving as more parents try to expose their kids to diversity
and provide "postmodern" parenting that embraces gender fluidity. It also shows how society is
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opening up to have open, welcoming conversations on gender and sexuality. DQSH, in my

References
Drag Queen Story Hour UK. (2022). Drag Queen Story Hour UK - Home Page.
Www.dragqueenstoryhour.co.uk. https://www.dragqueenstoryhour.co.uk/
Safe Schools Alliance UK. (2022, January 9). Drag Queen Story Hour. Safe Schools Alliance
UK. https://safeschoolsallianceuk.net/2022/01/09/drag-queen-story-hour/
Equality And Human Rights Commission. (2020, February 19). Your Rights under the
Equality Act 2010. Equality and Human Rights Commission.
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance/your-rights-under-
equality-act-2010
McCormick, E. (2017, June 13). "Are you a boy or a girl"? Drag Queen Story Hour riles the
Right but delights kids. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/13/drag-queen-story-hour-library-
books-children-gender
Keenan, H., & Hot Mess, L. M. (2021). Drag pedagogy: The playful practice of queer
imagination in early childhood. Curriculum Inquiry, 50(5), 1–21.
https://doi.org/10.1080/03626784.2020.1864621