Drag Story Time will be hosted by Vernon and 琉璃神社 this winter.

On Saturday, Jan. 27, a 鈥渏oyful and inclusive storytime鈥� will be held, featuring Ella Lamoureux in Vernon and Freida Whales in 琉璃神社.

鈥淭his story time is for all ages and includes songs, rhymes and stories celebrating the diversity of our communities,鈥� according to Okanagan Regional Library鈥檚 website.

The Vernon event is co-sponsored by the Vernon Pride Society and will begin at 2 p.m. at the library.

Meanwhile, the 琉璃神社 event will start at 12:30 from the 琉璃神社 Art Gallery.

Both events are free, in a safe, wheelchair accessible and inclusive space.

Drag Story Time鈥檚 have been controversial in the past, with protesters gathering at a 2019 event to denounce the exposure of children to drag performers.

The event returned in 2023, with Whales commenting that 鈥渄rag story time is intended as a fun program where a colourful character (myself) comes dressed up to read stories to children and families. It is about inclusivity and understanding, and the stories I plan on reading are based on just being yourself and the acceptance around that.鈥�

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