Philadelphia sets new record for biggest drag story time reading audience
Over 260 people gathered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia last Saturday for a unique event hosted by the Philadelphia Gay News and sponsored by Visit Philadelphia. The main attraction was a performance by drag queens reading books, which organizers and Guinness World Records certified as a new world record.
According to Mark Segal, founder and publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News, the purpose of this event was to show that Philadelphia is an inclusive city supporting the LGBTQ+ and drag communities. "In the face of negative legislation targeting these communities in other states, we wanted to demonstrate that Philadelphia stands out as a place of happiness and acceptance," he said. Segal, an LGBTQ+ rights activist who took part in the 1969 Stonewall riots, further emphasized, "It was amazing to be breaking a record while also showcasing true American values: the chase for happiness."
The event, held on the first day of Pride Month, featured drag queens reading books designed to center themes of love, diversity, and acceptance. Among the performers were adults and children, all there to listen to stories like "‘Twas the Night Before Pride" by Joanna McClintick, "Elmer" by David McKee, "The Family Book" by Todd Parr, and "Kevin the Unicorn: It’s Not All Rainbows" by Jessika von Innerebner. One of the performers, activist and entertainer Brittany Lynn, read "Hello, Philadelphia!" by Martha Day Zschock.
Lynn explained that the selection of books was intentional and emphasized the importance of making literacy enjoyable for kids. "Our goal as a program is to make learning to read fun for children, and that's our mission. When some people see drag queens reading to children, they get the wrong idea, but if they attended a drag queen story time session, they'd realize our only goal is spreading love, diversity, and acceptance through literature."
A spokesperson for Visit Philadelphia acknowledged the need for extra security measures during this event. Considering recent warnings from the federal government about potential threats to LGBTQ+ events, authorities took careful steps to ensure safety.
Last month, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a warning of a possible rise in terrorist attacks against LGBTQ+ venues and events during Pride Month. It was in light of this threat that Visit Philadelphia decided to carefully consider ways to promote the event.
Despite initial concerns that they might not reach the attendance required to set the record, when the final performer read her story, organizers discovered they'd reached the target number. For Lynn, an event organizer and performer, it was a surprising and magical moment.
"The audience was just as excited as we were," Lynn said as she remembered that climactic moment when the performers were standing onstage, holding the Guinness certificate. "You could hear the children clapping, and everyone was proud for both the performers and the audience. It was a collective experience, creating a sense of joy and unity."
This accomplishment gives Segal a sense of pride in his community and its resilience. "We managed to fulfill the record despite any attempts to discourage us," he said. "In the face of adversity, we are visible and unyielding. You can't intimidate or bully our community."
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In the spirit of showcasing Philadelphia's inclusivity, the crowd of over 260 people, including us, cheered as the Guinness World Records certified the event as the largest drag story time reading audience. Recognizing the significance of this achievement, Mark Segal expressed his pride in the resilient LGBTQ+ and drag communities in Philadelphia.
