Arizona Representative Lorena Austin(D), in conjunction with Planned Parenthood Action, hosted a Drag Story Hour at the Arizona State Capitol on Tuesday.
Democrat Rep. Lorena Austin deliberately misled House leadership to reserve a conference room to host a drag story hour with Planned Parenthood.
Use of House facilities for radical activism to promote dangerously perverse ideology will not be tolerated while I am Speaker.
As… pic.twitter.com/yuOnkjn8zR
— Ben Toma (@RepBenToma) April 30, 2024
An assistant for State Rep. Austin informed The Arizona Sun Times that the Drag Queen read the book Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ+ Heroes. In an official statement, the Representative declared “this is the people’s house, that includes LGBTQ+community.” Rep. Austin further claimed that there were no minors present and it was an educational event and within the mission of the LGBTQ+ Caucus.
In a statement on X, House Majority Leader Representative Ben Toma declared that “Democrat Rep. Lorena Austin deliberately misled House leadership to reserve a conference room to host a drag story hour with Planned Parenthood.” The Speaker said that the “use of House facilities for radical activism to promote dangerously perverse ideology will not be tolerated while I am Speaker.” In a bold move, he ordered that all “Democrats have lost the privilege of accessing House meeting rooms until trust can be restored.”
In her official statement, however, State Rep. Austin denied being dishonest about booking the space. When The Sun Times followed up with questions about the event’s affiliation with Planned Parenthood and whether it was an official LGBTQ+ Caucus event, the representative did not respond.
We are PROUD to have collaborated with @LorenaAustin4Az and our community’s local Drag Story Hour to create a safe learning literacy space!
One of the best ways to support the LGBTQ+ community is to educate yourself. Visit our website for resources💓 https://t.co/nOWev49BxO https://t.co/3OmdbLZIq4 pic.twitter.com/fZcSuEXH0w
— Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona (@ppazaction) April 30, 2024
The Arizona Mirror dubbed State Rep. Lorena Austin the nation’s first nonbinary Chicano legislator. The freshman lawmaker recently shared her story on the house floor. Austin has been an active LGBT advocate since being elected. The representative is known for progressive advocacy and active engagement in issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community and social justice.
Was so excited to meet emcee, @thebarbra1 at the Slay Hate event hosted by @HRCaz and All Voting is Local! Thank you for educating people on the importance of electing officials who will protect people, not politicize them. 🌈 #slayhateinaz pic.twitter.com/TqO0qPAvNx
— Representative Lorena Austin (@LorenaAustin4Az) April 22, 2023
In response to the Drag Queen Story Hour, Senator Anthony Kern(R) told The Sun Times, “Three weeks ago, I led a group to pray in the AZ State Senate and the lying media went crazy! Today, there was a drag queen story hour sponsored by Planned Parenthood and the media is silent.” He further noted that “Our tax dollars should never be used to indoctrinate Arizonans with perversion under the guise of tolerance. Enough!”
He added, “Keep praying Arizona!”
⚠️ WARNING: THIS CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.
Arizona Democrat lawmakers teamed up with Planned Parenthood to host ‘Drag Story Hour’ at the Capitol to encourage parents to transition their kids. This is ahead of LGBTQ+ YOUTH Day at the Capitol tomorrow.
Your… pic.twitter.com/4qpS6lj4Gb
— AZSenateRepublicans (@AZSenateGOP) April 30, 2024
– – –
Christy Kelly is a reporter at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Christy on Twitter / X. Email tips to [email protected].
Image “Drag Queen Story Hour” by AZ Senate Republicans.
