Drag Story Hour World Record Plan Set for 2026

An initiative to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Drag Story Hour in 2026 won unanimous approval from the City Council on May 5. Proposed by Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers, the plan aims to surpass Philadelphia’s 263-attendee record from June 2024, coinciding with the installation of West Hollywood’s second Drag Laureate and reinforcing the city’s leadership in LGBTQ+ cultural expression.

West Hollywood has hosted Drag Story Hour since 2017 at the West Hollywood Library, partnering with the Los Angeles County Library, Drag Arts Lab, and Pickle the Drag Queen, the city’s first Drag Laureate. Originating in San Francisco in 2015 through Michelle Tea and RADAR Productions, the program features drag performers reading to children, promoting inclusivity. The staff report highlights its role as a symbol of resilience against rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, with Drag Story Hours nationwide facing protests and threats. Resident Alex Paris, addressing federal raids on nightlife venues, urged action, stating, “West Hollywood must protect the very people who made the city a sanctuary.”

Councilmember John M. Erickson celebrated the initiative’s significance, saying, “This is about showcasing our identity and resilience.” The Community Services Department, led by Director Yvonne Quarker with Andi Lovano and Jennifer Del Toro, will coordinate with Guinness World Records and community partners, including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for a public safety plan to address potential protests. Staff will return with details on date, format, budget, and partnerships.

With no immediate fiscal impact, the plan aligns with West Hollywood’s General Plan to enhance cultural life. The record attempt is poised to draw regional and national attention, solidifying the city’s commitment to inclusivity amid challenges to drag performances and LGBTQ+ rights.