Whitman Middle School in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, has invited a trans drag queen to speak to children of "all grade levels" during "7th grade lunch" hour.
"This Friday GSA & Whitman Explorers are Celebrating LGBTQ+ HISTORY during 7th grade lunch. Sign up with Ms. Jewell, Ms. Fritz, or Ms. Hammons. Save your seat to meet Aaleh Hughes Youth Program Coordinator for MKE the LGBTQ+ CENTER," the Whitman Middle School's website says.
The graphic on the school’s website says that the talk will occur “during 7th grade lunch” on Nov. 1 but adds, “All grade levels may attend!”
After backlash, however, the principal wrote to Whitman families on Oct. 31 that the appearance will be "delayed" but will still happen in the future.
"Aaleh Hughes (She/Her) is a black woman of trans experience, ballroom diva, powerful, entertainer, advocate, and role model. She is a native of Rockford, IL, residing in Milwaukee, WI," Hughes' bio
on the MKE/LGBT website says.
On social media, Hughes frequently posts about appearing in drag shows.
On October 31, Whitman Principal Sarah Dianich wrote an email to "Whitman Families."
"I would like to address some questions and concerns that have been circulating and shared with me regarding an upcoming guest speaker we have invited to our school," she wrote.
"Aaleh Hughes, a youth program coordinator for the LGBTQ+ Community Center in Milwaukee, was scheduled to visit Whitman Middle School to provide information about the center and provide historical background on LGBTQ+ month. We are delaying this visit. The exact date will be determined next week after further coordination between the school's GSA advisor, administration, and Aaleh Hughes," Dianich wrote.
"This optional small group lunch discussion will be available to students who are part of the middle school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and are interested in learning more about community resources, fostering an inclusive environment, and developing positive peer relationships," she added.
"Our school’s GSA was established to provide a safe and supportive environment where students can connect and build understanding within our school community. Bringing in guest speakers like Aaleh Hughes is one way we aim to enhance these efforts. As always, participation in the GSA and this event is entirely voluntary with parent support, with the intention of supporting students’ social and emotional growth in ways that they and their families deem beneficial," she wrote.
"We recognize that different perspectives exist on topics related to identity and inclusion, and we are committed to respecting and valuing the diversity of opinions within our school community. Our goal in hosting guest speakers, regardless of their area of focus, is to enrich perspectives, promote understanding, and equip our students with tools to find success in their own unique journeys," the principal continued. "If you have additional questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to create an environment where all students feel valued and supported."
"She is the First Lady of the Milwaukee Chapter House of Alain Mikli & show director at the legendary This Is It Bar. She is making a big name in the youth, ballroom, & entertainment community," the bio says.
The bio paints Hughes as a "mother figure."
"As a Youth Program Coordinator of the MKE LGBT Community Center, she is known for being the person that youth look up to. They seek out her guidance and mentorship as a mother figure," it reads.
"She speaks at schools across the city, primarily for the Gay–Straight Alliance groups. She creates safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, & makes sure their voices are heard so they can make the world a better place for the next generation."
https://www.wisconsinrightnow.com/wauwatosa-middle-school-invites-trans-drag-queen-to-lunch-hour/?feed_id=23420&_unique_id=672402d1c6ea6
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