The Gold Coast Bulletin

QUEEN STORYTIME ANYTHING BUT A DRAG

- AMBER MACPHERSON

DRAG queens and children may have more in common than first thought.

Both love dress ups, overthe-top performanc­es, singing and dancing – and a Surfers Paradise group intends bringing the two groups together.

Pride House on Cavill Ave will host Drag Queen Story Hour today, welcoming children aged three to eight for story time with a difference.

Pride House program coordinato­r Emma-June Curik said the event was created to encourage children to use role models that promoted being true to yourself.

“It’s all about giving young children, particular­ly young children from rainbow families, positive and genderincl­usive role models,” Ms Curik said.

“It’s more about allowing children the freedom to be who they truly are, by showing them a range of adults who are that themselves. It’s just a fun, inclusive activity. It goes for about 45 minutes. We read picture books, there’s a craft activity, then we have a little dance at the end.”

Ms Curik said the concept originated in the US and had proven successful in many places throughout the world.

“At its heart is literature and encouragin­g children to read. It’s a new way of getting children to engage with books.”

To attend, head to Rise Bar and Club, at 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, at 1.30pm.

Children must be accompanie­d by a parent or guardian at all times.

 ?? Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS ?? Drag queen Dame Martini Fernando Ice and Cody Jasinski, 5. share a book ahead of the Drag Queen Story Hour in Surfers Paradise today.
Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS Drag queen Dame Martini Fernando Ice and Cody Jasinski, 5. share a book ahead of the Drag Queen Story Hour in Surfers Paradise today.

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