Drag shows are not appropriate for kids and Encinitas Union School District should stop promoting them, according to a school board candidate.
“There is no wrong way for a kid to be a kid,” said Justin Ried. “Boy or girl, we all go through phases, and our community should support our kids and protect them from those who promote permanent, life-altering surgical operations.”
Ried, who seeks election to the Encinitas Union School District school board, was commenting on controversy that erupted last week after the school board allegedly promoted a flyer for an “all-ages” Halloween drag show.
“No, it’s not appropriate for our K-6 kids, and saddens me that this is in any way controversial,” Ried said.
The ‘Queerfest’ was promoted on a flyer featuring a drag show called Boo Bash, which promised to be the ‘queerest’ event for kids and families with games and trick-or-treating, according to media reports.
The event, reportedly hosted by Transfamily Support Services, is scheduled to take place in Hillcrest on Oct. 29
Ried further told ABC 10 News that the community wants to be inclusive and support groups of all kinds but ‘where do we draw the line?’
Parents rallied outside of school district offices to oppose the flyer despite a caveat, which stated, “Distribution of this flier does not imply endorsement by the Encinitas Union School District, its schools, or staff and is distributed in compliance with federal and state law.”
Ried is the father of two young daughters. They reside in La Costa.
"It’s critical for parents to be engaged and actively participate in the education of their children," he added. "I will advocate for parental involvement, ensuring EUSD provides transparency and regularly solicits feedback on what is being taught in our classrooms, as well as the extracurricular activities that we host and promote in our community. Oversight and accountability are important aspects of delivering the very best to our kids."