Kids invited to make their own ‘drag queen doll’ at British Columbia library event

Children are invited by the Coquitlam Public Library to meet “The Unstoppable Conni Smudge,” a local drag queen who is apparently an icon in the region. Smudge will lead the assembled children in stories, songs and crafts at the event to be held on January 14.

“Drag storytime is for everyone!” reads the event page. “Families with children of all ages are invited to attend.” The occasion is appropriate for ages 0-8 according to the website.

The library posted the event on Twitter but turned off replies. That didn’t stop people from expressing their anger about the event and the unusual craft being advertised.

“Make your own drag Queen doll? Men in exaggerated womanface representing what!? Normalizing what? This is akin to having strippers or burlesque dancers reading to children. Adult entertainment dumbed down for kids? Surely there are better role models than drag queens?!?” Said one Twitter user.

“Why is this even a thing? How did we get to the point where it's acceptable for men in hypersexualized fake-female attire to read stories to children? Who started this offensive trend?” asked another.

Those who support men dressing as overly sexualised paradies on womanhood claim that it is a family-friendly form of entertainment that breaks gender stereotypes and creates a more inclusive and accepting society. But critics argue that drag is an adult form of entertainment that is never appropriate for children, and footage of children witnessing outrageously inappropriate performances at drag shows can be found in abundance.

Furthermore, exposing children to drag queens is a tactic used by queer activists as a way to “queer” childhood, meaning a way to expose children to queer culture as a way to break down societal norms and moral structures.