Drag Queen Storytime offers 2SLGBTQ+ positive space at Vaughan Public Libraries

More than 100 residents attend event

Yorkregion.com
June 12, 2023
Brian Capitao

A positive safe space is important.

That’s why Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) hosted a Drag Queen Storytime event on Saturday, June 3, at the Civic Centre Resource Library.

The event hosted by Fay & Fluffy was a spectacular, dynamic and entertaining for all families in attendance, according to VPL.

Drag Queen Storytime involves drag queens reading stories to children and families by taking traditional elements of storytime and professional performance for children and promotes inclusion and diversity.

Libraries, community groups, and cultural agencies that serve children have found Drag Queen Storytimes to be a successful and entertaining way to help people better understand gender roles and diversity.

Though Drag Queen Storytime readings have come under the ire of some right-leaning individuals, there has been a tangible positive effect, says psychologist Joe Kort.

For Psychology Today, Kort writes:

“The real problem, as I see it, lies not in exposing children to the reality of diverse sexualities and gender identities -- those who do not fit the typical definitions of masculinity or femininity -- but rather not providing gender-nonconforming kids with other templates as they begin to sort out their feelings about who they authentically are.”

VPL says it is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and with that mandate is creating 2SLGBTQ+ positive spaces.

“Vaughan Public Libraries is proud to have hosted Drag Queen Storytime with Fay & Fluffy, attended by more than 100 citizens,” said VPL CEO Margie Singleton in a press release.