An Ontario children’s aid society is organizing a multi-week drag queen story time for “all children and their caregivers” as part of a Youth Pride program.
Nearly half a dozen libraries have partnered with the Durham Children’s Aid Society to put on drag queen performances for kids, including Oshawa Public Libraries, Whitby Public Library, Pickering Public library, Brock Libraries and elsewhere.
“This family-friendly program will showcase stories celebrating diversity and inclusion,” wrote the Durham Children’s Aid Society.
“Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome.”
Presented by the Children’s Aid Society…you can’t make this stuff up.
— Chanel Pfahl 🇨🇦 (@ChanLPfa) May 11, 2023
Heads up Durham. pic.twitter.com/4bKMX557u4
Events are taking place at various venues from May 27th until June 10th. A total of eight drag queen performances for kids will occur, although performers have yet to be announced.
The children’s aid society offers various services for children at risk and also oversees adoptions, foster care and infant care.
Controversial drag queen events for children in Ontario have sparked dueling protests. Groups opposed to the event claim that they are inappropriate for young kids and that they confuse children about their natural development.
Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam has recently introduced a bill to ban protests within 100 meters of venues where drag queens read to children.
“The topic that brings us here is deadly serious,” said Wong-Tam.
“The rise of hate and violence facing the 2SLGBTQI-plus communities, including the drag artists, happening across Ontario and right (across) the nation has been alarming.”
Wong Tam’s bill, which received international attention, would allow Ontario’s attorney general to designate any area a safety zone which would prohibit protests from happening within the designated area.
Anybody found violating the law would receive a $25,000 fine.
