By Vince Torres, Executive Director
What do a liberal feminist leader and a conservative Christian pastor have in common? They both believe that “drag” is adult entertainment and that exposing children to highly sexualized dress and behavior is completely inappropriate.
I am the pastor and my friend, Natasha Chart, is the feminist leader. Natasha serves as chair of the Women’s Liberation Front (WoLF)—a self-proclaimed radical feminist organization—and although we do not agree on everything, we are proud to be working together to bring awareness to the dangerous nature of “Drag Queen Story Hour” events happening in New Mexico and across the nation.
“Drag Queen Story Hour,” which began in cities like New York City and San Francisco, has made its way to New Mexico, with recent events in Albuquerque and Las Vegas. The events feature adult male entertainers, outfitted in makeup and drag dress, using their drag names, while reading to young children and, in some cases, dancing for them. At some events, children have even been encouraged to bring dollar bills to give to the drag entertainers as they provocatively perform. Despite what organizers claim, there is nothing innocent or family-friendly about these events.
In response to these local events, Natasha recently penned a letter to Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, the members of the Albuquerque City Council and the Bernalillo County Commission, and the Director of the Public Library in Albuquerque, urging them to “adopt a policy prohibiting Drag Queen Story Hour events aimed at minors.”
Among the concerns raised by Natasha is the “heavy dose of sexism” at the events. As Natasha states:
“From a feminist perspective, the main feature of drag is that it equates ‘woman’ with over- sexualized clothing (outfits no woman would wear to a library), unrealistic fake breasts and body shapes, heavy makeup, frivolous behavior, and a demure voice. This cements sex stereotypes that are offensive and harmful to women and girls. And because the message is largely visual, it takes hold even in preverbal children.”
We agree with Natasha. “Drag Queen Story Hour” exposes children to sexist, misogynistic, and over-sexualized content that can negatively impact their mental health. For these reasons and many others, we join Natasha in encouraging our elected officials and public libraries in New Mexico to put an end to these controversial events. Drag queen programs aimed at minors are inappropriate and our taxpayer funded libraries should not be promoting or hosting them.
To read Natasha Chart’s letter, please click here.
Dear Friends:
“Drag Queen Storytime,” which began in places like New York City and San Francisco, is now coming to Albuquerque.
Next Saturday, June 15th, Albuquerque’s Main Library is slated to host adult male entertainers, outfitted in makeup and outfits, using their “drag” names, reading to young children. And despite what the organizers of these events claim, there is nothing innocent or family-friendly about these events. Your help is needed to send a message to city and county officials today.
These story hours have a very specific agenda and the organizers have not been coy about the intent of the program. According to advertisements in other cities, “Drag Queen Story Hour captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive and unabashedly queer models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.”
Not only is “Drag Queen Storytime” being advertised on the Main Library’s official website and social media, but it is scheduled to take place during the Library’s “Family Fun”—an event for families and children ages 0-12.
Today, we are asking concerned citizens, parents, and taxpayers to speak up and encourage the Library to cancel this event. You can do so in three ways:
- Please click here to send a message to the Mayor, the Albuquerque City Council, and the Bernalillo County Commission.
- Please call the Library Director at (505) 768-5141 and leave the following message: “Drag queen programs are inappropriate for children and the library should not host or promote them.”
- Please share this message with your friends and family.
Thank you for speaking up!
The Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico Team
Dear Friends:
In case you missed it, our core issues at Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico® have been in the news locally and nationally.
Family – Albuquerque’s Main Library to Host Drag Queen Storytime”
This Saturday, Albuquerque’s Main Library is slated to host adult male entertainers, outfitted in makeup and outfits, using their “drag” names, reading to young children. Not only is “Drag Queen Storytime” being advertised on the Library’s official website and social media, but it is scheduled to take place during the Library’s “Family Fun” event for families and children ages 0-12. There is no arguing the fact that drag queens are adult entertainers and that these events are inappropriate for kids. At events in other cities, children in attendance have been encouraged to participate in youth drag queen competitions, and in Houston, one of the drag queens was later found to be a registered sex offender. If you live in the City of Albuquerque or Bernalillo County, please click here to send a message to our elected officials telling them that, “Drag queen programs are inappropriate for children and the library should not host or promote them.”
Life – American Medical Association (AMA) Retains Opposition to Assisted Suicide
This week, the American Medical Association (AMA), the largest association of physicians, overwhelmingly voted to retain its firm opposition to assisted suicide. According to the AMA Code of Medical Ethics, “Physician-assisted suicide if fundamentallyincompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.” This past Legislative Session, Family Policy Alliance and our allies were instrumental in defeated legislation to legalize assisted suicide in New Mexico.
Religious Freedom – Denver Baker Jack Phillips Sued for the Third Time
Jack Phillips, the Christian Baker from Denver, is now facing a third lawsuit for respectfully declining to provide a gender transition cake. Although there are dozens of other bakeries in Denver that would have provided the cake, Phillips continues to be targeted by radical activists hellbent on harassing and punishing him for operating his business in accordance with his faith.
At Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico, our vision is a state where religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished, and we are honored to be fighting for these issues at all levels—local and national. However, we could not do it without your prayers and support, so thank you from all of us!
Together, onward, upward, and in His service,
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director
Dear Friends:
What began in places like New York and Los Angeles is now spreading across the country. Believe it or not, Drag Queen Story Hour is a recent phenomenon that may just show up at your community library very soon. In fact, these gatherings and others like them have already happened or are planned in at least 40 states to date.
The events feature men outfitted in makeup and outfits, using their “drag” name, and reading stories to children as young as 3 years old at public libraries. And despite what organizers say, there is nothing innocent or “family-friendly” about these events. The story-times have a very specific agenda and event organizers are not coy about the intent of this program.
According to advertisements, “Drag Queen Story Hour captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.”
The ideology behind Drag Queen Story Hour goes even further beyond ideas regarding sexual identity, and for these activists, undermining parents’ authority in the lives of their children is often necessary. For example, Gay Pride Director Jeremy Hobbs of Columbus, Georgia was quite explicit about the desire to undermine parents when he stated, “We’re not born with hate; we learn hate. And it all starts at home.”
Yes. In addition to introducing and pushing gender confusion on innocent children, this program plans to teach kids that any biblical values they may glean from their parents at home is “hate.”
Friends—it is time to act and, thankfully, thousands of people across the nation have already spoken up and raised concerns with their local libraries and leaders. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, we must be ready to act if and when the time comes, so here are some things you can do right now:
- Please continue to follow us for more information on this unacceptable program.
- Please make sure your pastor is aware of this program and encourage him to preach on the important biblical issues of gender and human sexuality.
- Please remember to vote this November for those candidates who will support parental rights and push back against the radical left’s assault on Christian parenting.
- To help fund our efforts to inform and engage local communities with calls to action, please consider a contribution to help in our efforts.
Today we are facing issues that just 5 years ago would have been unimaginable. The only way to push back is for the church to be awake, alert, and active. And to that end, we look forward to partnering with you.
God bless you and thank you for your continued prayers and generous support.
Sincerely,
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director
“…but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” –Daniel 11:32 (ESV)
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your continued prayers, financial support, and words of encouragement over the past few weeks as we released our endorsements for the upcoming November election. We have some wonderful candidates running for office up and down the ballot, and with your help, we will send them to Santa Fe this January to do the work we need and expect them to do.
In the meantime, there have been several stories in the news recently related to our core issues at Family Policy Alliance of New Mexico. As you know, one of our goals is to help keep you informed of current events related to religious freedom, the family, and life so we can anticipate the challenges and opportunities before us. So, in case you missed it…
Religious Freedom – California Assemblyman Evan Low Withdraws Anti-Religious Freedom Legislation
In a major victory for religious freedom in California, Assemblyman Evan Low withdrew legislation which would have made it illegal under California’s consumer protection law to offer “any practices that seek to…change behaviors or gender expressions, or to eliminate or reduce sexual romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same sex.” The legislation, which was misleadingly advertised as a mere “conversion therapy ban,” was originally written to cover any financial transaction, which could have led to a ban on Christian books, retreats, conferences, and/or any paid Christian counseling that helps those with unwanted same-sex attraction. Thankfully, after meeting with pastors, professional counselors, and former LGBTQ persons, Assemblyman Low opted to withdraw the legislation and continue the dialogue. We thank Assemblyman Low for this collegial act and we congratulate Jonathan Keller and the California Family Council for their great work on this matter.
Family – “Drag Queen Story Hour” for Children Invades Public Libraries Across the Country
What began in libraries in New York City and Los Angeles has now spread to at least 40 states. With backing from the American Library Association, “Drag Queen Story Hour” events feature men outfitted in makeup and outfits, using their “drag” name, reading stories to children at public libraries. Despite what organizers claim, there is nothing innocent or “family-friendly” about the events. The story-times have a very specific agenda. According to event organizers, the mission of the program is to “capture the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood” and give children “glamorous, positive and unabashedly queer role models.” Organizers recommend that drag queens read books to children that promote LGBTQ ideology and even provide a list of resources written for children as young as preschoolers. Recommended readings include Teddy’s Favorite Toy, My Princess Boy, and Worm Loves Worm.
Life – Santa Fe City Council Approves Resolution in Support of Assisted Suicide
This week, the Santa Fe City Council adopted a resolution urging the State Legislature to legalize assisted suicide in New Mexico. Santa Fe joins the City of Albuquerque as the second jurisdiction in our state to pass this resolution and efforts are underway in other cities to follow suit. Ahead of the vote, several of you responded to our Action Alert and contacted the Mayor and City Councilors, and we thank you for making your voice heard. Recently, the Albuquerque Journal and The Santa Fe New Mexican published an op-ed I submitted regarding assisted suicide and our concerns with the message we are sending to our children and vulnerable citizens. As I stated in the op-ed, when it comes to providing care for those facing serious illness and/or the end of life, I believe we can and should do better than simply abandoning them to death and hopelessness. Instead, we should work together to find solutions that bring real compassion and care to those when they need it most.
As we come to the end of our fiscal year this month, I want to thank those of you who have generously given to support our efforts. If you would like to help us end strong and continue strong into 2019, please consider setting up a $25 monthly recurring gift today. If everyone reading this supported us with $25/month, we would exceed our fundraising goal for 2019 and I would not have to solicit donations again until 2020! So, if you believe in what we do and are passionate about our vision for New Mexico—a state where religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and live is cherished—please give today.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Sincerely,
Vince Torres
President and Executive Director