Two of Australia’s most rambunctious drag queens, Maxi Shield and Hannah Conda, will attempt to set a new world record for the largest ever Drag Queen Story Time reading. The attempt will be held during Oxtravaganza on Saturday 22 February, where everyone is invited to Sydney’s iconic Oxford Street to celebrate Darlinghurst’s diverse community a week before Mardi Gras’ night of nights.
Hannah Conda is Sydney Drag Queen royalty, cementing superstar status by being the only queen to have ever won both Rising Star and Entertainer of the Year at the Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVAs) in the same year. She appeared alongside Khloe Kardashian for a Keeping Up with the Kardashian episode, and appeared at the iconic RuPaul’s DragCon in Los Angeles, along with her good friend Maxi Shield.
She was also the first Drag Queen to officially bring Story Time to Australia back in 2017. “I love working with kids and I love drag, being able to merge these two is a dream come true for me. Part of my job with Drag Queen Story Time is to educate kids. I let them know it’s OK to be curious about the world and it’s OK to ask questions. And if they ask me a question, I’ll always answer it as honestly as I can. “For example, I’m often asked by the kids if I’m a girl or a boy. I simply tell them sometimes I’m a boy, and sometimes I’m a girl, but I’m ALWAYS a Princess! That’s all the explanation they ever need and then they move on without a care in the world. It’s moments like these that I am reminded that everyone is born with a clean slate with the ability to love unconditionally” said Hannah Conda.
“No one is born with hate or bigotry, these are innocent souls that just want to make the world a better place. The aim of Drag Queen Story Time is to teach children that everyone is born equal, even though we don't always look or act the same. What is important is to be kind to one another and celebrate our differences!”
Maxi Shield is legendary on Oxford St; her highlights include being crowned Drag Industry Variety Awards (DIVAs) Entertainer of the Year, sharing the stage with Madonna during the Rebel Heart Tour as well as featuring in the closing ceremony Sydney 2000 Olympics. She was also a ‘reading to children’ trailblazer; in 2007 she was invited by the City of Sydney to take part in National Reading Day at Newtown library!
“Oxtravaganza is always a highlight of the Mardi Gras season - it’s when Darlinghurst comes alive with thousands of people shopping up a storm the week before the big Parade and Party. Over the past five years the Lockout Laws have had a devastating impact on Oxford St, with many of the region’s businesses doing it tough in order to keep afloat. Thankfully the laws have now been abolished and this year everyone will see the new Darlinghurst, which is starting to blossom once again!
“Not only can you take part in our world record attempt, there’s heaps of other fabulous events AND entertainment to get involved in. Come and get your Mardi Gras outfits sorted, eat and drink up a storm and experience the heart of one of Australia’s most diverse and inclusive communities,” said Maxi.
The world record attempt will happen at Oxtravaganza on Saturday 22 February at 11am
Location: Oxford Square
(Wet weather option: 72 Oxford St Darlinghurst)