Experiencing diversity

Huntington Woods is a suburb north of Detroit. The Huntington Woods Library, similar to many libraries across the country, holds story time for little kids. Someone comes in and reads a book to them. The Huntington Woods Library story time will be much more interesting in January and February – the readers will be drag queens. The library’s Youth Services Director Joyce Krom heard about similar events in San Francisco, New York, and Boston. For the first reading Krom invited local Miss Raven Divine Cassadine, who wore a white gown and tiara and read the books “Be Who You Are” and “My Princess Boy.” Also taking part was Mr. Red Ribbon Dylan, who talked about being bullied.

Yes, there was some pushback. But nearly 100 kids came and parents offered tremendous support. Parents talked about making sure their kids had early memories of experiencing diversity.