Tax-funded Ohio group sponsors monthly drag tutorials grooming children to be drag queens

08/04/2023 / By Laura Harris

The Colors+ Youth Center, an LGBTQ+ organization funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, is offering monthly drag tutorials to teach children as young as 11 years old the fundamentals of drag, such as makeup, costume design and performance.

Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, a tax-funded organization in Ohio, stated on its website that it aims to “inspire and strengthen the community by investing in arts and culture.” This mission explains the organization’s support for the youth center, claiming that these programs are essential for fostering a more inclusive and accepting community for LGBTQ+ youth.

The youth center, in collaboration with Drag Queen Story Hour Cleveland, features popular drag performers like Sassy Sascha, Rhett Corvette, Veranda L’Ni and Zoey Zegai to read age-appropriate books with positive themes for LGBTQ+ youths. (Related: Disney+ features drag queen, grooming another superhero.)

Furthermore, the center also offers other programs like sexual health classes; a Clothing Affirmation Program (CCAP) to explore self-expression and identity; and self-defense classes for parents.

Drag programs grooming children draw criticisms from conservative groups

After funding the tutorial program, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture has faced criticism from conservative groups. They argue that such exposure may not be age-appropriate and could potentially confuse children about their gender identity and sexuality.

They also note that Cuyahoga Arts and Culture investments should align with traditional family and community values and reflect the beliefs of the taxpayers who fund these initiatives. “Your tax dollars are funding the grooming of kids,” the Libs of TikTok tweeted.

Last April, a similar incident happened when The Young Actors’ Theatre Camp hosted its first-ever weekend camp in the mountains of California, introducing kids as young as eight to the “Art of Drag.” Parents, activists, and concerned citizens on social media platforms denounced the event as disturbing and inappropriate.

“Parents that take their kids to this should be arrested,” one Twitter user posted. Many others agreed, suggesting that exposing children to drag, which is often associated with adult-oriented themes and sexualized performances, is unacceptable. Another critic urged adults to keep children out of drag shows altogether.

The backlash was not limited to conservative voices. Even some people who looked at drags as an art form criticized the idea of teaching it to children. They say that while drag shows can be entertaining for adults, they should not be a part of kids’ experiences.

In the summer of 2019, the Delaware County Library System offered a Drag 101 class. The course sought to educate participants on the art of drag. “It’s nothing to do with sex or gender identity at all,” Selena West, the teacher of the course, clarified.

But Delaware County District Library Director George Needham acknowledged that Drag 101 became one of the most controversial programs the library system has ever undertaken.

The controversy had not escaped the attention of Melissa Ackison, a mother of four.

“My first concern was are there background checks for this program and how are they vetting candidates who come in for something like this,” Ackison said. She questioned whether offering Drag 101 is an appropriate use of tax dollars and class time for young participants.

The latest news about America’s transgender obsession can be found at Transhumanism.news.

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