Drag storytime duo Fay & Fluffy just want to give children a chance to be who they are

Here & Queer is a Canadian Screen Award-winning talk series hosted by Peter Knegt that celebrates and amplifies the work of LGBTQ artists through unfiltered conversations.

We are very lucky to have Fay Slift and Fluffy Soufflé. For the past eight years, the dynamic drag duo have been doing storytimes for children all across the country, sharing messages of love, community and inclusivity. And now, that mission has taken the form of their very own TV show: The Fabulous Show With Fay & Fluffy.

Currently in its second season, The Fabulous Show is a storytime cabaret variety show for preschoolers, encouraging them to be proud of who they are and to be kind to each other. 

"Being able to work with children and to centre their voices on the show and to celebrate them is just such an incredible thing to be able to participate in," Slift said when the duo stopped by the Here & Queer set. "Really, our message is that you're completely wonderful just the way you are, and to be proud of yourself."

You can watch the entire interview below:

Unfortunately, Fay & Fluffy know all too well that their messages of kindness are not practised by a lot of folks in this country. A conservative agenda that's increasingly hostile to both drag performers and LGBTQ youth has reared its ugly head at many of Fay & Fluffy's events.

"We've had bomb threats," Slift says. "We did an event where we were inundated in a public space in Mississauga with the extreme alt-right. And I just remember thinking to myself, 'We can't ever [back away] from this [because] that's exactly what they want. They want to somehow intimidate.' And I think the thing that was incredible was that we did that entire show surrounded with this hate. We had a drone above us and they were spewing scripture from the Bible. But the parents and the families that were there in attendance, they were incredible. They were shouting at them to shut up. 'We're here. I brought my kids here to see them. Get out of here. This isn't for you.' And I was just like, 'This is amazing.'"

Slift admits that it all does eventually take its toll.

"It just makes you suddenly realize that just our existence is a threat to people, because we are living our lives truthfully," Slift says. "And the reality is there are people in the world that are not. And so, when they see us thriving in the world and creating and building community [and being] proud of who we are, that really, really shakes people up."

Ultimately though, Fay & Fluffy want to do everything they can to protect the children and families who come to their events and watch their shows. 

"I don't want children to grow up in toxic ways, where they feel hate and shame for themselves," Slift says. "I want them to be proud of themselves. I want them to find the power in their voices and to speak out."

You can watch The Fabulous Show With Fay & Fluffy on Family Jr.