Two Democrats from New York State, both competing in closely watched Congressional primaries, have made commitments to support federal funding for “Drag Story Hour.” Records indicate that city and state taxpayers have already spent nearly $700,000 reinforcing this program.
Incumbent U.S. Representative Dan Goldman and his challenger, former City Comptroller Brad Lander, informed the LGBTQ Democratic Club of their backing for federal funding aimed at subsidizing initiatives that involve drag queens reading to children in schools.
A spokesperson for Lander confirmed that he is eager to fund Drag Story Hour as well as initiatives like affordable housing, healthcare, and childcare if he wins a seat in the House.
“Unfortunately, the majority doesn’t allow funding from Congress for LGBTQIA+ programming,” Goldman responded after a survey from the Jim Owls LGBT Liberal Democratic Club, which inquired about his support for Drag Story Hour.
Goldman, who is aiming for a third term, expressed optimism about funding these programs once they regain control of the House.
“If there’s an opportunity to hold an event like that, I’d definitely welcome it,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lander highlighted his previous efforts as a City Council member, where he supported storytimes at a Brooklyn Public Library branch in his district.
Drag Story Hour, organized by Drag Artists for Expression NYC, collaborates with 128 public and private schools, as well as over 90 public libraries across New York City. The group facilitates readings by cross-dressing performers aimed at engaging young audiences. Supporters argue that the program fosters “sexual diversity” and promotes tolerance among youths, helping to diminish discrimination.
The organization claims that their programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of uniqueness, enhancing empathy and empowering children to articulate their feelings.
In 2025 alone, drag artists project to conduct 165 readings reaching over 5,000 youth across all five boroughs. This includes 48 events targeting 2,350 public school children and 30 in libraries serving 810 kids, among other programs.
However, there have been objections to such initiatives, even in a liberal city like New York. There have been protests and even bomb threats, alongside complaints from parents who claimed they were not informed or asked for consent before their children participated in these readings.
Statements from Goldman and Lander arise amidst records showing substantial taxpayer contributions to the program over the past ten years, totaling $367,000 from the Department of Youth and Community Development and $204,500 allocated by the New York State Council on the Arts.
Republican strategists are poised to campaign against the use of taxpayer money for what they label polarizing programs. Republican pollster John McLaughlin expressed skepticism, stating the majority of Americans do not want their tax dollars used to promote gender ideology to children. He described the Democrats’ support as “outrageous” and indicative of an extreme agenda they may pursue if they regain control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
Recently, during the 2024 presidential campaign, the Trump campaign accused then-Vice President Kamala Harris of supporting funding for gender reassignment surgeries for inmates.
Additionally, House Democrats recently voted against a proposal by Representative Nicole Malliotakis aimed at establishing a museum dedicated to women, after Republicans included provisions to exclude transgender individuals from involvement in exhibits, leading to the bill’s rejection.
Gerald Kassar, chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, cautioned that what resonates in New York’s most liberal areas won’t have similar appeal nationally. He criticized the use of taxpayer dollars for what he views as an extremist agenda.
