JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville LGBTQ organization hosted a family-friendly literacy event on Saturday.
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The event was called Drag & Tell: A Queer Storytime, hosted by the Queer Families Together organization. Books were read to children to celebrate Pride Month.
Alexis Williams, the founder of the organization, talked about the purpose of the event.
“We’re having fun, we’re reading LGBTQ books or just any type of allied books, to young children just celebrating the last week in pride, but also making it a family affair,” Williams said.
She said she wanted to create a safe space for families and allied families.
“If we’re not going to learn it in school, we’re going to learn it where we can and so this is just giving us a space to be safe, to be seen, to be heard, and also just give people experiences that drag queens are not scary, trans people are not scary...,” Williams said.
Karissa Wade and Sister Bunny Juju Losi were two of the readers at the event. They talked about why they participated in the event.
“To show that there’s love and acceptance for everyone, that we’re all just one purpose and one love,” Wade said.
Sister Bunny Juju Losi echoed that sentiment.
“It’s all about the kids making sure that they’re just being kids, having fun, and to know that they’re loved and accepted,” Sister Bunny Juju Losi said.
They said it’s fulfilling for them to see the joy on everyone’s faces as they’re having fun and enjoying the event.
Amber Baughn was one of the parents at the event and she explained why she attended with her kids.
“I want to teach my kids that we love everyone, that’s what we’re supposed to do as humans, is just love everyone no matter how they look, no matter how they dress, no matter who they are. We love people. We celebrate them,” Baughn said.
Click here to learn more about Queer Families Together.
