Drag queen ‘career’ stirs flap in school

A Colorado middle school is standing by its decision to host a drag queen as part of a literacy and career event, but apologized to parents for not notifying them beforehand.

Among the collection of speakers that appeared during Rocky Top Middle School’s second annual Rocky Top READS! earlier this week was dancer and performer, Jessica L’Whor. Finding her name a bit inappropriate for the age group, the queen introduced herself as Ms. Jessica to students, who ranged from sixth to eighth grade, during her presentation.

Her presence at the school though sparked backlash among some parents, prompting Rocky Top principal Chelsea Behanna to send out an email addressing their concerns. She told KDVR the speakers lined up for the career day were intended to reflect their diverse community.

Behanna said Jessica (photo) “began her guest session with an explanation of her career — as did all other guests,” according to the parent letter. “She explained that she is a performer who, though a man, portrays a woman for her performances.

“She detailed her background of performing arts throughout middle and high school, then explained how she earned a business degree from Colorado State University.”

Jessica wrapped her time with the students not by performing, but reading a chapter from “Horrible Harry in Room 2B” by Suzy Kline as a means to “illustrate the damage bullies can do, the need to always put kindness and acceptance at the forefront, and the shortsightedness of judging a book by its cover.”

Other guests included “emergency responders, elected officials, clergy, research assistants, trades people, journalists” and “professional athletes.”

The drag queen told CBS4 she felt most students received her visit positively.