China White read a book about princesses to a roomful of parents and children. White always added an extra comment or funny aside after every page, interacting with the audience. It was all part of their performance as a drag queen.
“It’s always fun [to read to kids],” White said. “It was great.”
White was part of the Drag Queen Storytime event at the Yorkton Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 7. Drag queens and kings from Saskatoon and elsewhere took over a meeting room and read a series of children’s stories to a captive audience.
“The kids had fun and the adults had fun, which is very important,” White said.
Larua Budd is the Education Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Pride Network. Her main focus is the Yorkton-Melville area. She organized the storytime event, noting how drag performances are usually reserved for large urban centres.
“The child within all of us enjoys dress-up and performance and connects with community theatre,” she said. “I wanted to bring that art to Yorkton and Melville.”
Budd reached out to drag performers within the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Governing Body Golden Wheat Sheaf Empire. The group is part of the Imperial Court system, which is a global collection of drag performance groups. Courts around the world organize events and spread awareness. The Saskatchewan court has an emperor, an empress, and other titled members who participate in activities around the province.
“They use their art to raise funds and donate it back into the community,” Budd said. “Often to those small charities that we generally overlook.”
It’s a long drive from Saskatoon to Yorkton, and Budd was worried some of the performers wouldn’t be able to make it. She even considered rescheduling the event. But everything went off without a hitch.
“When I found out we were able to juggle everyone’s schedule...it was a huge weight lifted off,” Budd said. “I was so excited.”
Performers read classic stories along with modern ones with inclusive messages. Budd hopes people learned about the art of drag and the importance of acceptance.
“All of us are just people in our community,” she said.
Over 30 people attending the event, which far exceeded Budd’s expectations. She was ecsatic with the results.
“It was an exceptional event,” she said. “I know the children loved it.”
China White thought events like the Drag Queen Storytime are excellent opportunities to open parents’ and childrens’ eyes to diversity.
“I think they learn tolerance this way,” White said. “They learn what love and accepting is.
“This really is a joy to see.”
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