And They Lived Fabulously Ever After

Abstract

The hosting of a Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) in the Netherlands by drag queens Ma’MaQueen and Xtra Xceptit on the 16th of april 2023, has led to protests. The two sides, pro- and anti-DQSH, are debating on the ethics of drag and working with children, a debate that is echoed in e.g. the USA too. This thesis explores the history of drag shows, the benefits of reading to children, and the global hosting of DQSHs, to ultimately analyse the aforementioned Dutch DQSH and its effects on the children present through primary source material. The findings indicate that the DQSH does not differ from other child-related reading events such as De Nationale Voorleesdagen, but the presence of drag and the emphasis on the theme of inclusivity triggers a ‘culture war.’ Simultaneously, having drag queens be the ones to read to children actually increases certain benefits that come with reading to children.