Philly's Franklin Institute brings drag queen to host 'Family Pride Day'

Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, which bills itself as "one of the world's most important scientific organizations and museums," is gearing up to celebrate Pride this weekend.

The institute's "Family Pride Day" is the second installment of the Pride schedule, set to take place on Saturday afternoon following an adults only ball Friday evening. The same drag queen is set to feature at both events.


 

"On Saturday June 17, join us for a special day of programming that highlights the contributions of some of the amazing Philadelphia organizations that help uplift, educate, and nourish our LGBTQ+ community, especially our young members and their families," the institute wrote on its website.

"Celebrate with one-of-a-kind experiences that blur the line between science and performance for some of the most whimsical shows and demonstrations you have ever seen."

The event's featured programming includes "special demonstrations that combine science and drag," curated by drag queen The Eric Jaffe. Children will also be able to dress up for a runway photo-op, and "strike and pose and learn to express [themselves] with an all-ages introduction to voguing and ballroom," hosted by choreographer Kemar Jewel, known for his dances celebrating "black queerness."

The event is not entirely science-free, however, as children will be given the opportunity to explore microbes and screen print their own coloring book page.

According to the institute's website, programming for the adults-only event is very similar to the family-friendly gathering it precedes. Eric Jaffe and Kemar Jewel are listed in both events' descriptions, however, the drag performances at the adults-only event appear to be void of any scientific elements.

As Pride Month comes into effect, institutions across the country have announced similar events, to the ire of many who seek to keep sexualized content away from children.

The inclusion of drag queens has been a particular point of contention, given the often overtly sexual nature of the performances.