Free Half Term Activities: Drag Queen Story Time
Manchester Pride showcases story time with Drag Queen Auntie Anna P
Here at Hits Radio and Hits Radio Pride we understand that half term might be a little different this year, the Pandemic and local lockdown mean many of us will be spending more time at home. However, there's still loads of fun and educational things to get involved in this October.
Nearly half of LGBTQ+ pupils are bullied in school according to a Stonewall report. Educating children from a young age on the importance of equality for LGBTQ+ people helps those pupils feel represented and accepted. These staggering statistics are the motivation behind Drag Queen Story Time presented by Manchester Pride this half term.
Hosted online, Drag Queen Story Time is ideal for those looking for free and educational activities during half term with the storytelling told by DIY SOS star Anna Phlyactic.
As part of the Alternative Manchester Pride Festival over August Bank Holiday, Manchester Pride streamed Drag Queen Story Time, which aims to provide a safe environment, in which children, teachers and parents can encounter LGBTQ+ representation - in a fun and engaging way.
Storytelling teaches children from a young age that families are not always made up of a mum and dad, the stories chosen for Drag Queen Story Time are specifically chosen to provide LGBTQ+ representation.
The two part story time includes the stories Jacob’s New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, which is a heart warming story that speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles. Along with Mummy, Mamma and Me by Lesléa Newman which is about a loving family with two mums that depicts a fun-filled day in the life of a happy, loving family.
Watch Jacob’s New Dress and Mummy, Mamma and Me
The second part of story time with Auntie Anna Pie includes the stories Daddy, Papa and Me by Lesléa Newman which shares the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children. Along with And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson which tells the story of two male penguins, Roy and Silo, who create a family together.
Watch Tango Makes Three and Daddy, Papa and Me
Drag Queen Story Time aims to act as a resource to educate establishments that need to celebrate diversity in all its forms. By providing representation of LGBTQ+ individuals, who are proud of who they are and successful in what they do, DQST is able to give young LGBTQ+ people role models to look up to.
The story time performances have also often been used to begin the process of discussing LGBTQ+ topics - in a way that comes up naturally, rather than forced.
Hits Radio Pride
Hits Radio Pride is the brand new station will be Loud and Proud, playing some of the biggest hits from artists such as Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue, Calvin Harris, Years & Years and Dua Lipa.
You can listen to Hits Radio Pride online, on smart speakers, just say "Alexa, Play Hits Radio Pride" and through the Hits Radio app.
Hits Radio Pride is also available on DAB in Bradford, Stoke, Swansea, Liverpool and Northern Ireland, as well as on DAB+ in London. And, in Norwich on DAB+ (like London), and from 1st September we'll be on in Humberside and North Yorkshire.