Last week, Spectrum News 1 took a look at a drag queen story hour, where drag queens read to children at libraries and other spaces. Those reading there spoke to kids with the message of accepting one another’s differences.

However, these story hours that are happening across New York state are also sparking controversy with some people saying the readings do more harm than good.

"We really don't think it has anything to do with reading,” said Jason McGuire, the president of the New Yorker's Family Research Foundation. “It really is more about desensitizing children to gender fluidity and some of the issues that I think really confuses children. And I just don't think we need to confuse kids. We ought to be really helping them to realize who they are created to be. Not confusing them about their sexuality or gender identities."

The Drag Story Hour is a nonprofit that launched in San Francisco in 2015. Those who take part say it teaches inclusion, but nonprofit educational organization New Yorker's Family Research Foundation’s president disagrees.

"I really don't think this is about inclusion,” McGuire said. “I think it's about desensitization to hyper-sexualized images. I think it's part of the problem is when you engage in the drag-queen culture, and what's going on here, we really are about desensitizing children."

As some people protest drag story hours across the country, organizers say they won't stop their programs.

Storyteller Mrs. Kasha Davis says she is asking parents who do take their children to the readings what motivates them.

“Do you know [who] the best person you can be is? You. Exactly who you are,” Mrs. Kasha Davis said to an audience during her story hour. 

“I'll tell you what, when I sit on stage and I look out at these eyes, and they just are looking, this is Mrs. Kasha Davis, she lives here at the theater,” said Mrs. Kasha Davis, otherwise known as Edward Popil, dressed in drag. “She likes sparkly dresses and she likes to read books. But what is so magical and so beautiful is to see a parent say thank you for showing me that my child has a community [and] that my child has a place in this world.”

Some parents at the show say they believe it's a good experience for their children.

“For us, it's really important to expose our kids to people who might be different than what they see every day,” Julie Paradise said. “And the biggest thing is that we want our kids to know that they can be whoever they want to be.”

“There's a lot worse things in this world that I think people should be concerned about and should be putting their time into protesting,” Tom Paradise said. “And, you know, this is all about just spreading love and acceptance for others.”

Mrs. Kasha Davis speaks only for her story hour that she says sends a message to children of all ages.

“Do you know that sometimes there will be people who will say things to you that are not kind,” Mrs. Kasha Davis said. “And you know what the best way to react to that is? With a smile. And be kind always to others. So when sometimes someone has some things to say about us, we can shake it off.”

“Nothing about this was offensive,” Tom Paradise said. “Nothing about it made anybody sad. It showed kids that they can be who they want and the story and every story that's ever read is about self-love and love towards others. So, what's wrong with that?”

"What drag queens and kings and individuals performing in these story hours are trying to do is to treat others with kindness," said Mrs. Kasha Davis.