'Drag Queen Story Hour' debated on the Anchorage Assembly floor

A program featuring drag queens reading stories to children in public places like Loussac Library had parents and LGBTQ Community members testifying at the Anchorage Assembly meeting Tuesday.

Some parents are concerned about their children being exposed to gender ideology, while members of the LGBTQ Community argue they are entitled to interact with children during “Drag Queen Story Hour,” which is endorsed by the American Library Association in an effort to create more inclusive societies.

Anchorage resident Stacey Lange quoted a conservative advocacy group, saying, “In 2017, the American College of Pediatricians stated that gender ideology harms children.” Lange said.

Brooks Banker said members of the LGBTQ Community are entitled to the same rights as anybody else. "There were also words mentioned by my previous speaker in reference to ideology and sexuality,” Banker said in response to Lange’s statement.

“I for one, as a queer-identified person, as a member of the community, am tired of people sexualizing the lives of LGBTQ people. We are entitled to have normalization and be in spaces with young people," Banker said.

Banker said the objections of Lange wouldn't matter, as reading volunteers do not discuss sexuality during the story hour, rather they promote freedom of expression in a non-judgmental environment.

Assemblyman Christopher Constant confirmed the Drag Queen Story Hour will continue to be held at Loussac.