Dozens of children city eagerly await story hour at the West Hollywood public library. Suddenly, a princess emerges to read to them! Or so they think.
The City of West Hollywood’s Drag Queen Story Hour is exactly what sounds like – Drag Queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores.
“DQSH captures the imagination and play of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models.,” the event page reads.
The Pride LA spoke with event coordinator Joe Faragher, aka Pickle the Drag Queen about what the event is like. Check it out:
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Pickle, LA’s PTA Singing Drag Sensation!
In one sentence, what is Drag Queen Story Hour?
Drag Queen Story Hour is just what it sounds like–Drag Queens reading stories to kids in Libraries, Bookstores and venues throughout the world!
Can you explain more?
Drag Queen Story Hour shows kids the joy and wonder of expressing yourself and accepting people for who they are through the storytelling magic of Drag and Books!
Why start this program?
Bringing Drag Queen Story Hour to you means sharing in the global phenomenon of acceptance, love and glitter that DQSH brings to children in over 40 cities worldwide. Beyond standing for principles of self-expression, compassion and creativity, DQSH is fun for the whole family and allows kids to see examples of non-binary gender expression.
How do the children receive Pickle?
Kids love Pickle! From laughing at the stories to taking photos with this 6’4″ glamazon, kids and adults alike can share in the fun and magic of DQSH with any queen!
Where did the character Pickle come from? What’s her origin story?
Pickle was born in my imagination and came to fruition about four years ago-she’s a star who loves all aspects of entertaining and spreading light.
Did you like reading growing up?
I loved reading and enjoy sharing my passion for literature with kids and adults of all ages!
What is the ultimate goal of the Drag Queen Story Hour program?
Drag Queen Story Hour is on a mission to spread the light and joy of Drag and storytelling to as many kids and adults as possible! Our goal is to bring DQSH to a library, bookstore or venue near you!
The next Drag Queen Story Hour is on Saturday, December 28 with Hummingbird Meadows as the guest reader. The event is free and open to the public. It is presented in partnership with the West Hollywood Library and City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division. For more information, visit www.weho.org/arts.
