US Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney praises Drag Queen Story Hour for helping kids get 'a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity'

U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, a Democrat who lists the gender pronouns "She/Her" in her Twitter biography, is publicly praising Drag Queen Story Hour, a program that features cross-dressers reading books to children.

"Across the country, books are being banned, which are depriving our nation’s youth. But thanks to @NYPL and programs like Draq Queen story hour, NYC’s next generation are getting a well rounded education about LGBTQ+ issues and gender identity," Maloney tweeted on Monday.

BlazeTV host Elijah Schaffer of "Slightly Offens*ve," responded by tweeting the word "GROOMER" in all caps, along with an emoji pointing toward the congresswoman's tweet.

"Found another groomer outing themselves," tweeted Steve Deace, of BlazeTV's "Steve Deace Show."

Jim Hanson used the hashtag "#OKGroomer," and commented that, "Anyone who thinks Drag Queen Story Hour is a good idea for young kids Has no business being in charge of kids."

While critics pounced on the congresswoman's tweet, she fired back on Wednesday claiming that "the bigots are at it again in the comments."

Many parents believe that children's innocence should be preserved at all costs, a principle that leaves no room for introducing kids to cross dressers.

Drag Story Hour NYC, a member of the Drag Queen Story Hour global network, "produces storytelling and creative arts programs for children and teens, presented by local drag artists, in libraries, schools, and other community spaces in all five boroughs of New York City, and virtually," according to dshnyc.org. "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."

"In our original 45-minute Drag Story Hour (DSH) program designed for children ages 3-8, local drag performers trained by children’s librarians read picture books that touch on themes of diversity and difference, sing songs, and do craft activities. In learning about drag as a form of dress-up and play, children learn to see beyond the pink and blue gender binary and celebrate difference in themselves and others," the website notes.