TRIBECA 2020 FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW! The short film, Tall Tales with True Queens, begs to be a feature-length film. The subject matter has all of the ear markings of a compelling and politically-charged documentary. On one side are the progressives with an eye toward educating kids about diversity. On the other, are right-wing conservatives who vehemently oppose any rupture of the status quo, gender fluidity, and constitutional rights. All peppered with the oversized fabulousness of drag queens! This quick ten-minute film left me wanting more.
You know that look on a toddler’s face when something catches their eye, something shiny and sparkly that completely and totally entrances them so that all they can do is stare in wonderment? Eventually, the child looks to his or her mommy or daddy as if seeking an explanation for what they see. I noticed that same expression on many of the little ones who attended this film’s featured Drag Queen Story Hour, which is an eye-catching, entertaining, and educational premise founded by a woman named Michelle Tea.
“…wondered how these events might look when viewed through the lens of queerness. And thus, Drag Queen Story Hour was born.”
Tea had a light bulb moment following the late-in-life birth of her son. After attending several predominantly cis-focused story hours, Tea (who identifies as queer) wondered how these events might look when viewed through the lens of queerness. And thus, Drag Queen Story Hour was born.
It makes perfect sense for drag queens to lead the storytime. These women are the ideal embodiment of what it means to embrace diversity and inclusion as well as to teach valuable life lessons about staying true to oneself, lessons that cannot be taught too early in life.
"…this quick ten-minute film left me wanting more."
