Drag Queen Story Hour NYC Ltd

Drag Artists for Expression NYC (DAE NYC) produces storytelling and creative arts programs for youth and adults, presented by local drag artists, in libraries, schools, and other community spaces in 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.

Why Drag Expression for Youth?

From an early age, most kids are told how to dress and act, based on their gender. Kids who don't fit the pink and blue binary don't see themselves represented in the culture around them. When LGBTQ stories are presented to kids, they often focus on negative experiences such as bullying. As a result of this lack of positive affirmation, youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ are three times as likely to experience serious mental health challenges.

Drag artists are the perfect ambassadors for gender creativity and joy, presenting an alternative reality where kids can explore the wide spectrum of gender expression in an age-appropriate setting. Our preschool programs reach kids as young as three, when they are first forming ideas about gender, to counteract harmful stereotypes. Our programs for older kids and teens nurture youth as they continue on their gender journeys, providing critical validation and a vision of hope for a future beyond the binary.

Our Impact

In 2025, DAE NYC produced 165 programs serving over 5000 youth across all five boroughs of New York City, including

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

- 43 bilingual programs in English/Spanish, English/Cantonese and/or English/Mandarin serving 1,230 youth

- 30 programs in public libraries, serving 810 children

- 3 programs specifically designed for kids with autism and other disabilities

- Began providing free programming for youth in the foster care system 

- Launched a storytelling and theater-based program called Drag Lab, providing space for youth to build confidence through creating drag characters

- All of our programs are available with ASL, thanks to our partnership with Inclusive Communication Services

Testimonials

"Those of us who work with young children on a regular basis know that children can dress and act in a variety of ways, and supporting their choices builds self-confidence and can help avoid serious problems later in life. By creating an atmosphere of acceptance, and reading stories about acceptance of differences, [DAE NYC} helps to stave off teasing and bullying."

— Judy Zuckerman, Director of Youth and Family Services, Brooklyn Public Library

"[DAE NYC] has truly changed the culture in many schools and has helped open up dialogue as it pertains to gender identity."

— Eric Vaughan, Former  LGBTQ Program Manager, New York City Department of Education

"Thank you for the joy, love, and PRIDE you brought to our Foster Care Awareness x Family is Pride Celebration. Your presence helped us create a space where Family is Pride, and where every child could feel the joy of being exactly who they are.

— A. Rosario, Permanency Specialist/Event Coordinator, You Gotta Believe!

Challenges

Over the past three years, DAE NYC has
faced protests and threats from right wing extremists – changing the
scope of our programs, and our internal safety and security measures. As
an organization, we are committed to providing the safest and most
secure programming citywide to all our participants.

Help us Grow and Stay Safe in 2026

Your donations will help us build organizational capacity while expanding our free and low-cost programs in public schools and keeping our storytellers safe in 2026.