CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Children taking part in Drag Queen Story Time later this month will get to enjoy some books while also learning about diversity in families and communities.
On March 28 at 11 a.m., Nicholas Whalen will read to children at the Confederation Centre Public Library as part of a nationwide event. Whalen will be doing it in full drag.
Whalen is excited that Prince Edward Island is hosting its first Drag Queen Story Time. With some help from P.E.I. librarians, he has chosen books he hopes will help families to be not only tolerant and loving, but also to inspire discussion in the library and at home.
“These books will help illuminate the diverse lives and experiences of the world around us, and they can help explain family dynamics outside of what was once considered traditional.”
Whalen says children coming from homes that don’t fit stereotypes can find their families in his chosen stories. But he says everyone benefits from breaking down the barriers of ideas formed about masculinity and femininity.
“Guess what, kids? Even when you grow up, you don’t need to stop playing in a world that most will leave behind.”
Whalen’s drag name is Whatshername. She was born out of the need to inspire, said Whalen.
“I think it was a side effect of being wonderfully different from other boys my entire life.”
Having worked as a costume animator for more than 20 years, Whalen has had access to an extensive costume house and wig collection. And he couldn’t help using it on himself.
“Look, if you have the architecture, apply the paint.”
Whalen says it’s easy to command an audience while in drag. And that allows him to deliver his message.
“Guess what, kids? Even when you grow up, you don’t need to stop playing in a world that most will leave behind.”
