Two New York Democrats battling for a coveted House seat are making one thing crystal clear: if they grab power in Washington, they want taxpayers helping bankroll “Drag Story Hour” programs for children.
Because apparently in a city drowning in crime fears, housing costs and crumbling transit, this is the urgent priority.
Rep. Dan Goldman and former city Comptroller Brad Lander both signaled support for federal funding tied to the controversial program, which sends drag performers into schools and libraries to read to kids and promote gender-themed programming.
Goldman, already serving in Congress and seeking another term, complained in responses to an LGBTQ Democratic club questionnaire that Republicans currently block federal dollars from flowing to such initiatives.
“Unfortunately, the Majority does not allow funding from Members of Congress to support LGBTQIA+ programming,” Goldman wrote. “However, once we take back the House, I certainly cannot wait to fund programs like Drag Story Hours and other programs.” He added: “I would most certainly welcome the chance to host one.”
Lander’s camp was equally enthusiastic. The former comptroller touted his support for drag story events at Brooklyn Public Library branches while serving on the City Council, and a spokesman later confirmed Lander would support funding “lots of arts and culture programs, most certainly including Drag Story Hour.”
The remarks are already giving Republicans fresh ammunition heading into the midterms, especially as new records show New York taxpayers have already poured eye-popping sums into the niche cultural project.
According to public funding records, city and state agencies have funneled roughly $700,000 into the organization over the past decade — including hundreds of thousands through the city’s Department of Youth and Community Development and grants tied to the New York State Council on the Arts.
The group behind the programming — formerly known as Drag Story Hour NYC — says it partners with scores of schools and libraries across the five boroughs. Organizers frame the events as lessons in tolerance and “gender diversity,” saying the performances help children feel comfortable expressing themselves.
The organization also claims it hosted more than 160 readings last year alone, including programs inside public schools, public libraries and foster care settings serving thousands of children.
But critics say taxpayers are being forced to subsidize a highly polarizing social agenda that many parents never asked for in the first place.
The events have sparked protests in New York and around the country, with some parents complaining they weren’t properly informed before their children attended programs tied to drag performers or gender identity themes. Some events have even drawn security threats and demonstrations.
Republican pollster John McLaughlin blasted the Democrats’ position as politically toxic. “The vast majority of Americans don’t want taxpayer dollars used to indoctrinate children with gender ideology,” McLaughlin said, calling the push “outrageous” and “bizarre.”
The fight fits neatly into a larger national political war over schools, gender politics and how aggressively progressive activists should target children with ideological programming.
Republicans have increasingly leaned into the issue after campaign attacks during the 2024 election cycle spotlighted Democratic support for taxpayer-funded gender-transition procedures for prison inmates and broader transgender policies.
And just last week, congressional Democrats drew fresh backlash after opposing legislation to create a museum honoring women because Republicans inserted language barring biological males from being featured in women-focused exhibits.
