Publicly-Funded LGBTQ Center Offers Education on Drag to Children as Young as 11

LGBTQ Center Receives Partial Funding

An LGBTQ center in Ohio, called Colors+ Youth Center, is receiving partial funding from county taxpayers. The center, located near Cleveland, offers a monthly session aimed at teaching children as young as 11 the "fundamentals of drag." The center caters to kids aged 4 to 17 and is operated by two licensed professional mental health counselors.

Drag Tutorials for Youth

Colors+, a community organization in collaboration with Drag Queen Story Hour Cleveland, offers monthly drag tutorials for youth. These tutorials, led by a local drag performer, focus on teaching the fundamentals of drag, including makeup, costume design, and performance. The aim is to provide a safe and affirming space for young individuals to creatively express themselves in an age-appropriate manner. The program is funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture Funding

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture is a major source of funding for arts and cultural organizations in Cuyahoga County. They invest nearly $12 million each year to support tens of thousands of programs and events that aim to enhance the lives of county residents. The organization is considered one of the largest local public funders for arts and culture in the nation, and they pride themselves on being a strong steward of public funds. Their funding helps connect millions of people to cultural experiences in the county each year.

Board Member's Election as President

The Colors+ Youth Center recently celebrated the election of one of its board members as the President of the Ohio Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (OACES). The board member expressed their excitement about serving as the President for the 2024-25 term and mentioned their three-year commitment to the role, which includes serving as President-elect, President, and Past-President. They also expressed their enthusiasm for working alongside the OACES Executive Board during their tenure.