Supporting Drag Story Time: Co-Designing Safer and More Inclusive Spaces for Performers and Communities

This interactive workshop brings together emerging Canadian research on Drag Story Time (DST) performer wellbeing with creative, practice-based learning. Participants will explore how the art of DST intersects with evidence-aligned literacy practices, while engaging in meaningful dialogue across roles—including staff, organizers, practitioners, and performers—to strengthen inclusive programming through collaboration.

Grounded in qualitative research, the session will introduce key insights related to performer safety, stigma, and sources of support within DST contexts. The workshop begins with a facilitated read-aloud of an original DST storybook developed by the research team, followed by guided reflection on how messages of inclusion, belonging, and identity are communicated through storytelling.

Participants will then move into a structured co-design activity, working in small groups to develop practical strategies for creating safer and more supportive DST environments. Recommendations will be generated across three key phases of delivery: pre-event planning, in-event support, and post-event care.

Through hands-on participation, attendees…