Drag queen story time, not KKK

I went to a Drag

Queen

Story Time at a local bookstore today.

Before it started, the kids were given cardboard people to decorate. They were given sewing supplies, glitter, sequins, markers. They were talking and laughing and creating.

The Queens read 3 books, all centered around creation and how one object can be repurposed into so many different things.

Before they started reading, a deaf person taught the kids ASL signs for words that they would hear in all 3 books — sewing, create, colors, etc. The kids used these signs when they heard the words in the stories.

The main Queen wore a dress that she sewed herself using old T-shirt’s to demonstrate how objects can be repurposed.

The most famous of the books was Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors,” and the main Queen sang it while someone else turned the pages so the kids could see the pictures.

The kids felt free to call things out during the

BY BECCI MALAN BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY PUBLISHED BY QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE GET LISTED AT SALES@QSALTLAKE COM

readings. “My mom says that to me!” “It should be a tank top next!” They were involved. They were signing. They were participating.

It ended with a song the main Queen wrote about creating oneself and one’s life and continuing on even when it is hard. A behavior or a habit can be repurposed just as much as fabric.

It was amazing.

It was good for my mental health.

It taught the kids so many valuable lessons about inclusion and creativity and perseverance.

And my heart breaks because this is also what a state says is more dangerous than KKK meetings. What this state made illegal, while KKK meetings are allowed to continue. Q