ABOUT
© Photo by Jessye Herrell
WHAT WE DO
Drag Story Hour NYC (formerly Drag Queen Story Hour NYC) produces storytelling and creative arts programs for children and teens, presented by local drag artists, in libraries, schools, and other community spaces in all five boroughs of New York City, and virtually. Through fun and fabulous educational experiences, our programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable.
HOW WE DO IT
In our original 45-minute Drag Story Hour (DSH) program designed for children ages 3-8, local drag performers trained by children’s librarians read picture books that touch on themes of diversity and difference, sing songs, and do craft activities. In learning about drag as a form of dress-up and play, children learn to see beyond the pink and blue gender binary and celebrate difference in themselves and others.
Over the years, we've expanded our programs to include bilingual DSH programs in Spanish, Cantonese, and French; DSH for neurodiverse kids; DSH middle grade and YA book clubs; drag makeup tutorials; storytelling workshops for seniors; and more! You can find our full program descriptions and learn how to book here.
WHERE WE DO IT
Drag Story Hour events take place at libraries, schools, museums, festivals, parks, open streets, bookstores, play spaces, workplaces, and cultural and community institutions around the city, and virtually. In 2021 we produced 67 in-person programs and 141 virtual programs, serving 863 children in person and thousands more virtually. The vast majority of our programs are free to attend. We are approved vendors with all three public library systems in the city as well as the New York City Department of Education. See our Events page for a comprehensive list of our partners.
HOW TO BOOK
Read more about our programs, rates, and how to book.
While many libraries are still offering limited programming due to the pandemic, we are making our public programming available online in collaboration with our library partners. Find links to full programs for kids and teens here.
You can also check out this short video to get a taste of Drag Story Hour in action!