DRAG STORY HOUR to Continue with 'Tangerine Dress' This December at Blackfriars

Blackfriars Theatre launches a new six-event series for Rochester families who like a little extra sparkle with their story time - Drag Story Hour with Mrs. Kasha Davis.

This free program features inclusive children's stories read by RuPaul's Drag Race's Mrs. Kasha Davis. Books will focus on themes of acceptance, love, identity and diversity. Each event will include a story, a dance party and a craft activity.

Drag Story Hour teaches love and acceptance, gives strength to kids who see themselves differently, and serves as a resource for parents who need support or want to learn more. The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley has partnered with Blackfriars on this project and will have representatives at each story hour to help answer tough questions and to act as a community resource for families who might benefit from their programming and expertise.

"Children need adults to provide them with the opportunity to express their true and authentic selves and I believe we need children to remind us that no matter how complicated adults make this world, we are all seeking one common goal: TO BE LOVED," said Mrs. Kasha Davis.

"As champions of LGBTQ life and culture, the Alliance is proud to partner with Blackfriars and Mrs. Kasha Davis to produce this series that will create opportunities for authenticity, conversation, and connection," said Jeff Myers, Gay Alliance Managing Director. "We are thrilled to support inclusive programs for our youth and their families."

Development Manager Mary Tiballi Hoffman adds, "I kept seeing videos of programs like this happening in Brooklyn and San Francisco and it really struck me right in the center of my 'mom heart.' We decided that Blackfriars could create the space for it in our community and host an entire series so that it could become a regular offering for Rochester families. We're very proud to take on a project that nurtures acceptance, compassion and inclusion within the next generation - we need it now more than ever."

Drag Story Hour is presented in partnership with The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley with additional support from Get Caked and Quentin Roach.

UPCOMING DRAG STORY HOUR SCHEDULE:

· Saturday, December 30 at 10am - "Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress"

· Saturday, February 17 at 10am - "Red: A Crayon's Story"

· Saturday, March 24 at 10am - "Sleeping Bobby"

· Saturday, May 12 at 10am - "Not Every Princess"

Performances take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main Street, Rochester, NY 14605 and are free.

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre, is located at 795 East Main Street. Parking is available on site. Handicapped seating is available. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, visit www.blackfriars.org.

Pictured: "Shoes," a photo of Mrs. Kasha Davis, by Jose Guzman.