Around New England

Drag Queen Has Monthly Gig Presenting To Little Kids At Greenfield Public Library

April 20, 2019

The Greenfield Public Library is planning to host a drag queen telling stories to elementary school children on Saturday morning, as part of a monthly series of appearances there.

This month’s appearance is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20.

The performer, who identifies as Vivian Bates, has been performing once a month at the library at least since February, according to the performer’s Facebook page.

“I am so grateful for the love and support Greenfield has shown our monthly Story Hours. Twice as many people show up, and I made sure to greet everyone at the door with a rainbow heart sticker and a hug (even the adults because #equality). Can’t wait to see you all again next month,” the performer posted on the performer’s Facebook page on March 16.

It’s part of a nationwide series of appearances at local public libraries called Drag Queen Story Hour.

An organization of that name describes the events this way on its web site:

“Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is just what it sounds like — drag queens reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores. DQSH captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.”

Greenfield is a city of about 17,000 people on Route 2 in Franklin County, about 39 miles north of Springfield.

Below are two images associated with the event in Greenfield, as well as one event at an unidentified library.

Vivian Baits, drag queen performer, from the performer’s Facebook page

A drag queen performer presents at an unidentified public library event for children. Photo from Drag Queen Story Hour web site.