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In 2009, a transgender woman named Rachel Crandall-Crocker made a Facebook post encouraging people to organize in their home towns to celebrate being transgender. Until this time the only day where the transgender community came together was during Transgender Day of Remembrance, memorializing transgender murder victims. Crandall-Crocker organized a panel outside of Detroit where she lived and encouraged people to come. Her post encouraged people to see her panel and she hoped that others would hold their own events celebrating being transgender in their own communities. Today, March 31 is recognized by millions of people across the world. LGBTQIA+ organizations recognize Transgender Day of Visibility with community gatherings, panels, and celebrations. With legislation in 44 state governments attempting to end trans youth access to life-saving medical care and limiting their participation in sports, trans youth now more than ever need to see other transgender individuals celebrating being transgender and persevering through what the community is going through.
A day to celebrate being true to yourself, National Coming Out Day was created by gay rights activists Rob Eichberg and Jean O'Leary on the one year anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The march drew more than 500,000 people demanding the government address the AIDS crisis and to protest the Supreme Court’s 1986 ruling upholding Georgia’s anti-gay sodomy law. The AIDS memorial quilt, which is a massive patchwork that honors those who were lost to the virus, was also unveiled at the march. O’Leary and Eichberg wanted to illustrate how most people already knew and/or loved someone who identified as LGBTQIA+. Coming out to others would create visibility, citing it is easier to discriminate against a faceless community. National Coming Out Day is observed in all 50 states and every year it gains popularity and participants. For those in the LGBTQIA+ community, the process of coming out is increasingly seen as less like revealing a secret to others and more so allowing others to share the knowledge of their authentic self. National Coming Out Day should also be a day to acknowledge the difficulties of coming out and to remember that it’s still not something all LGBTQIA+ people can safely do. By: Sara Jezik
A Drag queen story-hour event is just like other story hours put on by your local library, school,and community spaces. The drag queen/king performers typically read 3 to 4 children’s books, sing songs and may even lead in a craft activity or event like balloon animals. These are daytime story reading events which are very different from a show you might see for adults at a bar or club. All outfits,names, and stories are hand picked and tailored to a children’s event. Just like you would wouldn’t wear the same outfit to go to the store that you would wear going to a fancy wedding. Drag performers match their outfits to their job. Most events are 45 minutes and designed for children ages 3-8, though this may vary by location or event. These events help incorporate reading, and learning in a fun and safe environment. The event helps to celebrate gender diversity and any and all kinds of differences to help kids feel confident expressing themselves. What is a drag queen? Drag is a art form it is all about expressing yourself. Drag is an art form that is rooted in diverse LGBTQ communities, and we support equality, justice, and respect for all people. Should I call the drag queen “he,” “she,” “they,” or something else? You can ask! It’s always OK to ask someone what their pronouns are. Examples of pronouns are “she,” “he,” and “they.” Some people have different pronouns at different times, like when they are in drag and out of drag. Others have the same pronouns all the time. Why Should Children Learn about Issues Like Gender Identity? Most children naturally explore gender identity and norms through imaginative play. DQSH teaches children to follow their passions and embrace gender diversity and expression in themselves and others. This helps to curb bullying of LGBTQ kids and kids who may be perceived as different in all kinds of ways. Why are Drag Queen Story Hours Important? Drag Queen Storytime events are a great way for children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference, and tap into their own creativity. It is also a great way to for children, parents or anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests or who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the broader culture to feel seen and safe. Children and drag queens have a lot in common. They love to dress up and use their imaginations to create awesome looks and express different sides of themselves.
