Two New York Democrats running in a competitive House primary have said they support federal funding for Drag Story Hour, a program that brings drag performers into schools and libraries to read to children, as city and state records show taxpayers have already spent nearly $700,000 supporting the initiative, as reported by The New York Post.

Rep. Dan Goldman, who is seeking a third term, and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander both expressed support for the program in responses to the Jim Owles LGBT Liberal Democratic Club.

The group asked candidates whether they had “hosted, funded or otherwise supported” a Drag Story Hour.

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Both Democrat Dan Goldman and challenger Brad Lander think kids should focus on "other matters" instead. Both support using fed taxpayer $$ to fund Drag Story Hour -NYC already spends $700K+ to expand it. Priorities ?…— Lawyerforlaws (@lawyer4laws) May 26, 2026

“Unfortunately, the Majority does not allow funding from Members of Congress to support LGBTQIA+ programming,” Goldman wrote in the questionnaire.

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“However, once we take back the House, I certainly cannot wait to fund programs like Drag Story Hours and other programs,” Goldman added.

Goldman also said, “I would most certainly welcome the chance to host one.”

Lander, who previously served as a New York City Council member, said in his response that he had supported a story hour at Brooklyn Public Library branches in his district.

A spokesman for Lander confirmed that if elected to the House, the Democrat looks forward “to funding affordable housing, health care, child care, USAID, libraries, and lots of arts and culture programs, most certainly including Drag Story Hour.”

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Drag Story Hour is run by Drag Artists for Expression NYC, which was formerly called Drag Story Hour NYC. According to its website, the group partners with 128 public and private schools and more than 90 public libraries across New York City.

Its programs bring cross-dressing performers to read to young children.

Supporters say the program promotes “gender diversity” and tolerance among children while discouraging discrimination. The group says on its website that it provides “storytelling and creative arts for youth and adults.”

“Through fun and fabulous educational experiences, our programs celebrate gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable,” the group’s website states.

Incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman and his opponent, former city Comptroller Brad Lander, both told an LGBTQ Democratic club that they support dishing out federal money to subsidize the program, which invited drag queens into schools to read to young children. WAKE UP AMERICA pic.twitter.com/jmrhYqAaIE

— miketdny (@miketdny) May 26, 2026

In 2025, Drag Artists said it produced 165 readings serving more than 5,000 youths across all five boroughs.

The group said that it included 48 programs in public schools serving 2,350 children, 30 programs in public libraries serving 810 children, and 43 bilingual programs serving 1,230 youths, along with several readings for youths in the foster care system.

The program has faced protests even in New York, including bomb threats. Parents have also complained that they were not informed or asked for consent before their children participated in readings or other events.

Goldman and Lander’s statements came as records show New York City and the state have directed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the program over the last decade.

The Post reported that $367,000 came through agencies, including the Department of Youth and Community Development, while $204,500 was administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Republican strategists said GOP candidates would campaign against taxpayer funding for the program.

“The vast majority of Americans don’t want taxpayer dollars used to indoctrinate children with gender ideology,” Republican pollster John McLaughlin told The Post.

McLaughlin, who conducts surveys for President Trump and New York Republican candidates, called the push by the Democratic candidate “outrageous” and “bizarre,” describing it as an example of the agenda Democrats would push if they win back Congress in the November midterms.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, the Trump campaign ran an ad criticizing Democratic nominee and then-Vice President Kamala Harris for supporting taxpayer funding for gender reassignment surgeries for prison inmates.

Last week, House Democrats voted against legislation sponsored by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-Staten Island/Brooklyn, to build a museum honoring women after Republicans inserted language barring transgender people or “biological men” from appearing in exhibits.

The bill was defeated.

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar said the position may not be received the same way outside New York’s most liberal areas.

“It’s a very inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars. It’s pushing extremism,” Kassar said.

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