RuPaul Praises Drag Queen Story Hour in Emmy Speech

RuPaul Andre Charles, a drag queen and TV personality who goes by RuPaul, took an opportunity in the national spotlight Monday night to praise the practice of drag queen story hour.

RuPaul carved out a few seconds during an Emmy acceptance speech to stoke the controversial performances that conservative states have restricted and banned, or at least attempted to.

"If a drag queen wants to read you a story at a library, listen to her, because knowledge is power, and if someone tries to restrict your access to power, they are trying to scare you," RuPaul said. "So listen to a drag queen."

RuPaul was accepting an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program, "RuPaul's Drag Race." RuPaul also won an Emmy as host for the eighth consecutive year.

RuPaul has been outspoken against legislation in myriad states that have restricted, banned, or tried to ban the practice, calling the work of those behind it "bullies."

While about half the country is opposed to young children being exposed to the provocative practice, states are having difficulty on the issue in federal courts, according to the Movement Advancement Project:

• Florida's law targeting drag is currently unenforceable due to a temporary block on the law issued June 2023. The state has already appealed the decision. 
• Montana's law restricting drag performances is currently unenforceable due a federal court order issued July 2023. 
• Tennessee's law restricting drag performances is currently unenforceable due to a federal court order issued March 2023, and a subsequent decision ruling the law unconstitutional. The state has already appealed the decision.
• Texas' law targeting drag is unenforceable due to a federal court decision ruling the law unconstitutional in September 2023. The state may appeal the decision.

"As the world goes mad, Florida represents a refuge of sanity and a citadel of normalcy," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in May while signing the "Protection of Children Act."

As an answer to the drag queens, actor and conservative activist Kirk Cameron began his own book tour at libraries across the country promoting Christian values. Cameron's "See You at the Library" campaign hit 46 states in 2023 and is planning another run this year.

"Libraries used to be safe places for families, but many of them now seem to be agenda-driven places that welcome drag queens to hold story hours for children," Rev. Franklin Graham said in a statement in July. "This is just plain wrong, and I'm so glad Kirk Cameron has decided to tell a different story — a story with biblical values."

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