Texas’ Last Drag Queen Story Hour

On Saturday morning in Austin, a group of parents, kids and allies gathered for what may be the last drag story hour ever in the state of Texas. A ban on drag performances is slated to take effect on Friday, Sept. 1. Under the law, businesses that host drag shows where minors are present face up to a $10,000 fine per violation, while drag performers and participants face misdemeanor penalties. 

“I want to expose my daughter to this, and make her feel and know that this is completely normal and good, and celebrate diversity,” said a parent at the story hour named Anna.

Another parent, Margie, who is queer herself, said she wished Texas lawmakers understood that drag “is not inherently sexual. Queerness is not inherently a sexual experience. To close kids off from exploring their identity is fascistic.”