In a groundbreaking event to kick off Pride Month, Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, has secured a new Guinness World Records title for the "largest attendance at a drag queen story time reading." Hosted by the Philadelphia Gay News and sponsored by Visit Philadelphia®, the event brought together famed Philadelphia drag performers to read children's stories to a record-setting audience of 263 people. The event took place at the National Constitution Center.
The Philly Drag Mafia
At the historic event, Brittany Lynn, a drag performer, LGBTQIA+ activist, literacy advocate, and head of the award-winning Philly Drag Mafia, took the stage as the emcee, leading a lineup of renowned drag performers who presented beloved children's books to the audience. The event featured readings of "Hello, Philadelphia!" written and illustrated by Martha Day Zschock, read by Brittany Lynn; "'Twas the Night Before Pride" written by Joanna McClintick, illustrated by Juana Medina, read by Aurora; "Elmer" written and illustrated by David Mckee, read by Icon Ebony Fierce; "The Family Book" written and illustrated by Todd Parr, read by Athena Chanteuse; and "Kevin the Unicorn: It's Not All Rainbows" written and illustrated by Jessika von Innerebner, read by Morgan Wells.
A Symbol of Resilience and Inclusivity
Mark Segal, publisher of Philadelphia Gay News, emphasized the significance of hosting such a historic event in Philadelphia, stating, "Philadelphia is where our country was founded, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and signed, and where some of the most significant LGBTQIA+ moments in U.S. history took place."
Segal added, "Creating history-making moments like we've done today, hosted on land synonymous with our country's fight for fundamental rights and freedom, serves as a powerful reminder of the resiliency, talent, and culture that make up the fabric of our great American city."
Neil Frauenglass, chief marketing officer at Visit Philadelphia, expressed pride in supporting the event, stating, "To start Pride Month with the world's largest drag story time in Philadelphia is extraordinarily fitting for the birthplace of freedom and modern democracy."
Frauenglass added, "Last summer, Visit Philadelphia hosted a small drag story time in front of Independence Hall, which we used as part of a national TV spot. It was only fitting for us to support a bigger, bolder, record-setting version this year."
A Beacon of Inclusivity
The event aligns with Visit Philadelphia's "In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union" series, which highlights Philadelphia as an inclusive and welcoming place for all. The record-breaking drag queen story time showcased the city's commitment to diversity, acceptance, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture.