BY COLIN MIXSON
Youngsters between the ages
of 6 and 12 gathered at Brooklyn
Public Library’s Central
Branch in Prospect Heights
on April 6 to study queer culture
and gender identity under
the tutelage of a ukulele
playing YouTube personality,
in an event that proved just
as eye opening for parents as
it was for Kings County kids,
according to one mom.
“I think it was more for
me,” said Bay Ridge mom
Rupsha Iqbal, who brought
8-year-old daughter Doria
Sharif to the event. “We didn’t
grow up with that lingo, but
they have.”
The event, called Genderful,
kicked off with educational
stories and sing-alongs
about LGBTQ culture
by uke player Lindasy Amar,
host of the “Queer Kid Stuff”
channel on the popular
video-streaming site.
Afterwards, kids were set
free to explore various gaythemed
craft and event stations
located in the book
lender’s youth section, with
attractions including free
temporary tattoos featuring
notable queer icons, the
chance to make their own LGBTQ
buttons and zines, and a
station featuring fabric and
used clothes that kids could
use to make their own, unconventional
outfi ts, according to
a Chicago-based designer of
LGBTQ clothes.
“I want kids to start to
thinking about clothing in a
COURIER L 12 IFE, APRIL 12–18, 2019 PS
ALL TOGETHER: From left, Amira Merrill, Rupsha Iqbal, and Doria Sharif with Sky Cubacub of Rebirth Garments
and Milenka Bermanova. Photo by Trey Pentecost
different way,” said Sky Cubacub,
founder of Rebirth
Garments.
Brooklyn Public Library
debuted Genderful in 2017,
and has continued the event
as a way for kids and parents
to explore gender identity and
queer culture, according to a
spokeswoman for the borough
booklender.
“Brooklyn Public Library
aims to be a welcoming and
affi rming space for people all
across the borough, representative
of many different identities
and experiences,” said
Fritzi Bodenheimer.
Gay day
Brooklyn Public Library
hosts event to teach kids
about LGBTQ culture