Once upon a time, in 2015, a writer in San Francisco named Michelle Tea got the idea for "Drag Queen Story Hour": men in full drag reading children's books to kids and parents in programs aimed at providing "positive and unabashedly queer role models." In some smaller communities, however, the programs have sparked protests from conservative and religious groups. In Lafayette, Louisiana, west of New Orleans, the president of the local public library board resigned amid debate over plans to hold "Drag Queen Story Hour." Hamilt performs as his drag alter-ego, Ona Louise, at charity events and at Drag Queen Story Hours. Scott Kinney, executive director of the Mobile Public Library system, said the system's policy on use of meeting rooms stresses maximum availability to the public, and he noted that library facilities have been used by faith-based groups.

Source: ABC News September 02, 2018 13:03 UTC