WHAT WE DO

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Drag Artists for Expression NYC (formerly Drag Story Hour NYC) produces storytelling and creative arts programs for youth and adults, presented by local drag artists, in libraries, schools, and other community spaces across all five boroughs of New York City, and virtually. Through fun and fabulous educational experiences, our programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable.​​​​​​

 

 

HOW WE DO IT

In our original 45-minute storytelling program designed for children ages 3-8, local drag performers trained by children’s librarians read picture books that touch on themes of diversity and difference, sing songs, and do craft activities. In learning about drag as a form of dress-up and play, children learn to see beyond the pink and blue gender binary and celebrate difference in themselves and others.

 

Over the years, we've expanded our programs to include bilingual drag storytelling programs in Spanish and Cantonese; drag storytelling for neurodiverse kids; middle grade and YA book clubs, drag makeup tutorials, and Drag Lab, a storytelling and theater-based program for youth to build confidence by creating drag characters! All of our programs are available with free ASL interpretation, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Inclusive Communication Services.

 

You can find our full program descriptions and learn how to book here.

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WHY WE DO IT​

Kids are taught from an early age to dress and behave according to rigid gender norms, leaving those outside the pink-and-blue binary without representation. Children’s books about gender diversity often emphasize negative experiences, such as bullying. As a result, LGBTQIA+ youth are three times more likely than their straight, cisgender peers to face serious mental health challenges. Drag artists are the perfect ambassadors for gender creativity, giving kids a chance to explore a wide spectrum of gender expression. Our programs help preschoolers counter harmful stereotypes in age-appropriate settings, and provide older kids and teens with critical affirmation and hope for a future beyond the binary.

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WHERE WE DO IT

Drag Artists for Expression NYC events take place at libraries, schools, museums, festivals, parks, open streets, bookstores, play spaces, workplaces, cultural and community institutions around the city, and virtually. 

In 2025, we produced 165 programs serving over 5,000 youth across all five boroughs of New York City, including 

• 48 programs in public schools, serving 2,350 children

• 30 programs in public libraries, serving 810 children

• 43 bilingual programs in either English/Spanish, English/Cantonese or English/Mandarin, serving 1,230 youth

• several programs for youth in the foster care system, serving 50+ youth

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Most of our programs are free to attend. We are approved vendors with all three public library systems in the city as well as the New York City Department of Education. See our Events page for a comprehensive list of our partners.

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Join our email list and follow us on Instagram…to learn about upcoming public programs

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WHO WE ARE

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DAE is run by an entirely BIPOC LGBTQ+ staff. Our programs are presented by a team of local drag artists trained by children's librarians at Brooklyn Public Library and New York Public Library.