There’s a Drag Queen Story Time World Record happening in Sydney and you can be a part of it
Glitter-up, it's time to read!
Drag Queen Story Time is gaining popularity in Australia in a big way. So much so that, this weekend, two of Australia’s most rambunctious drag queens, Maxi Shield and Hannah Conda, will attempt to set a new world record for the largest ever Drag Queen Story Time reading in Sydney as a part of Oxford Street’s pre-Mardi Gras event, Oxtravaganza .
“The aim of Drag Queen Story Time is to teach children that everyone is born equal, even though we don’t always look or act the same. What is important is to be kind to one another and celebrate our differences,” says Hannah Conda.
“No one is born with hate or bigotry, these are innocent souls that just want to make the world a better place.”
Hannah Conda is Sydney Drag Queen royalty (Image: Supplied)
What is Drag Queen Story Time?
Drag Queen Story Time is just what it sounds like – drag queens reading stories, often about diversity and acceptance, to children in libraries, schools, and bookstores.
Hannah Conda was the first Drag Queen to officially bring Story Time to Australia back in 2017.
“I love working with kids and I love drag,” says Hannah. “Being able to merge these two is a dream come true for me. Part of my job with Drag Queen Story Time is to educate kids. I let them know it’s OK to be curious about the world and it’s OK to ask questions. And if they ask me a question, I’ll always answer it as honestly as I can.”
“For example, I’m often asked by the kids if I’m a girl or a boy. I simply tell them sometimes I’m a boy, and sometimes I’m a girl, but I’m ALWAYS a Princess! That’s all the explanation they ever need and then they move on without a care in the world. It’s moments like these that I am reminded that everyone is born with a clean slate with the ability to love unconditionally.”
Maxi Shields, wh shared the stage with Madonna during the Rebel Heart Tour, is legendary on Oxford St (Image: Supplied)
WATCH: Drag Queen Story Time teaches tolerance, diversity and kindess. Continues after video …
“Oxtravaganza is always a highlight of the Mardi Gras season,” says Maxi Shields. “It’s when Darlinghurst comes alive with thousands of people shopping up a storm the week before the big Parade and Party.
“Over the past five years the Lockout Laws have had a devastating impact on Oxford St, with many of the region’s businesses doing it tough in order to keep afloat. Thankfully the laws have now been abolished and this year everyone will see the new Darlinghurst, which is starting to blossom once again!”
Oxford Street’s ‘Oxtravaganza’ is set to establish New World Record for Drag Queen Story Time during Sydney’s Mardi Gras weekend. (Image: Supplied)
The world record attempt will happen at Oxtravaganza on Saturday, 22nd February, 2020.
Location: The Piazza out the front Oxford Square, Darlinghurst (Wet weather option: 72 Oxford St Darlinghurst)
“Not only can you take part in our world record attempt, there’s heaps of other fabulous events and entertainment to get involved in. Come and get your Mardi Gras outfits sorted, eat and drink up a storm and experience the heart of one of Australia’s most diverse and inclusive communities,” says Maxi.
Other highlights on the day will include glitter bombing at hair + makeup salons, bike pimping, and an art walk.
Proceeds raised on the day go to ACON, NSW’s leading HIV and sexuality and gender diverse health organisation.
