Inclusion Includes Boundaries and Safety

Sometimes a mutual on social media posts something that makes you clarify your position even more. 

updated 2025
Sometimes a mutual on social media posts something that makes you clarify your position even more. 

I want to start by saying: I once enjoyed retro drag entertainment.
I grew up watching shows like Bosom Buddies, MASH*, RuPaul’s Drag Race—and one of my favorite sitcom characters of all time?
Sheneneh Jenkins from Martin. Classic. Iconic. Unforgettable.

So, this isn’t about being against drag.
This is about school safety and parental involvement—two things that matter deeply to me as a mother.

🧠 When I Was a Child…

I remember that anytime someone came to visit my school—whether it was Ronald McDonald, the fire department, the Lieutenant Governor, or even a dental assistant—we were always:

• Given advance notice

• Sent permission slips to take home

• Reminded that participation was never mandatory

School guests were a huge part of our learning.

We were taught about:

• Fire safety

• Basic hygiene

• Respect for others

• Even had lessons on birth control (yes, controversial—but always with permission)

💭 I Don’t Think Drag Belongs in Schools—And Here’s Why

As a parent and someone who supports healthy boundaries for children, I personally don’t believe that contemporary drag is the best use of time and resources for children’s education. Not because it lacks value in other spaces—but because schools must be places where parental trust, child safety, and clear boundaries come first.

That said, I know others may feel differently. And that’s okay.
What we should all be able to agree on is this:

Schools need consistent, transparent guidelines for all guest speakers or performers—no matter who they are.

🎯 Universal Guidelines Every School Should Follow

Here’s what I believe are basic, non-negotiable safeguards every school should have in place:

1. Parental Notification & Permission Slips

• Parents and caregivers must be notified well in advance of any guest visit.

• A permission slip should be required.

• Participation should be optional, and no child should be punished, penalized, or excluded for not participating.

2. Dress Code for Visitors

• If students must follow a dress code, adult visitors should too.

• Guests should dress in a way that is appropriate for a learning environment—especially around young children.

• This applies to all presenters equally, regardless of background or purpose.

3. Required Background Checks

• All visitors must undergo a thorough background check—including:

  • Sex offender registry search

  • Child abuse and neglect database check

  • Confirmation by a reputable third party

• No background check = no classroom access.

4. Prohibited Conduct Policy

• Schools should give all guests a clear list of what is not acceptable. This should include:

  • No sexually suggestive language or behavior

  • No culturally inappropriate or demeaning comments

  • No use of profanity or emotionally manipulative tactics

  • No attempts to challenge children’s personal or family boundaries

5. Trusted Adults Must Remain Present

• Teachers, school staff, or trusted adults should always be present while guests interact with children.

• There should be no unsupervised time between guests and students.

6. No Gifts or Giveaways Without Approval

• No visitor should give children gifts—especially not food, candy, electronics, or personal items.

• If there are approved take-home items, they must be:

  • Pre-screened by the school

  • Age-appropriate

  • Transparent in messaging

🗣️ Let’s Talk—Not Just React

These aren’t radical ideas.

They’re the bare minimum when it comes to safeguarding children and respecting parents.

This isn’t about any one group or guest. It’s about ensuring that all children are treated with dignity and all parents are fully informed.

We’ve had these conversations before—about holiday celebrations, reproductive education, and family beliefs.
We can have them again. With maturity. With compassion. With courage.

Let’s protect the integrity of childhood and our shared responsibility as adults.

CAUTION: When one controversial group comes into a school, other controversial groups who may have previously been kept out may make a legally convincing case to be allowed to access students. Even more reason to have guidelines that apply universally to every outside group or individual.

Chesapeake parents worry “Satan Club” could lead to harm (wtkr.com)

‘After School Satan Club’ sparks religious freedom debate in Virginia | WGN-TV (wgntv.com)

‘After School Satan Club’ causes a stir at California elementary school (msn.com)

After School Satan – Wikipedia

CAUTION: When parents are trying to be diligent and safe, they are always accused of being “too strict”, “mean”, or “overly religious“.  I tell parents that one of your main jobs is to see to it that your children make it to adulthood physically, emotionally, and mentally safe. 

Not everyone will agree with you, but our job as parents is to parent not rack up meaningless congeniality kudos from fellow adults. 

Never be afraid to offend when it comes to a child’s safety. Access to children who aren’t your own is not a human right. Hiding and pretending not to see things that may be harmful to children makes you a complicit coward. 

When Drag Queen Predators are Invited Into Safe Places and Spaces for Children | Ledger Independent – Maysville Online (maysville-online.com)

FYI….I don’t even like these racist platforms highlighting the gaps in child safety. We got to get it together. There is only one team in child safety….#TeamChild. 

*If you know of any non-racist, non-sexist, non-homophobic platforms that do fair and objective analysis of child safety…PLEASE let me know. 

Update: Thank you for the feedback. You all helped me find some everyday decent folk who are also #TeamChild!💜💓

WE are out here everywhere! 

WE just need to connect with one another.

@scoebroe72 #StopSchoolGrooming #NoMoreTransBull #NoMoreDragStorytime #LeaveChildrenAlone ♬ Smoked out Phonk – TREVASPURA

@brian4liberty #stitch with @gays.against.groomers #brian4liberty #fyp ♬ original sound – brian4liberty

@josephdaldrich #dragqueenstorytime has a pedo problem. #drag #lgbtq #fyp #foryou #viral ♬ original sound – Joseph Daniel Aldric