DRAG QUEEN STORY HOUR & BISHOP FULTON SHEEN

The cultural phenomenon of Drag Queen Story Hour came on the scene about–well, about 15 minutes ago. And it’s caused quite a stir and is controversial. I haven’t heard much from Catholic leaders about it but I wonder what someone like Bishop Fulton Sheen might have had to say about it. Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) was a Catholic bishop who became one of the most influential religious voices of the 20th century, 40s and 50s, using radio and television to reach millions. Think of him as a mix between a wise TikTok creator, a late-night talk show host, and a master storyteller—except his focus was faith, morality, and the meaning of life. His Emmy-winning TV show Life Is Worth Living drew viewers of all beliefs, blending humor, drama, and deep spiritual insight. Sheen’s clarity, charisma, and compassion helped countless people explore truth, hope, and God in an age of rapid cultural change.

I wonder what Bishop Sheen’s take might’ve been on the Drag Queen Story Hour phenomenon.
Here is an account (fictional) of an interview by Bishop Sheen with a six-year-old boy, Tommy, who saw his first DQSH yesterday, and his parents:

. . . . . .

Bishop Sheen: Well now, Tommy, I hear you had an interesting day at school yesterday.

Tommy: Yes, Bishop Sheen. A man came dressed like a lady and read us stories. My teacher called it “Drag Queen Story Hour.”

Bishop Sheen: (leaning forward) I see. And how did you feel about it?

Tommy: I felt… kinda funny. I laughed a little ‘cause it looked silly, but then I felt confused. Was he a lady or a man?

Bishop Sheen: That’s an honest question, Tommy. You see, God made boys to be boys and girls to be girls. That’s His beautiful design.

Tommy: But my teacher said he was just “being himself.”

Bishop Sheen: Sometimes people say “being yourself” when they mean doing whatever they feel like, even if it doesn’t match the way God made them. We can love people, even when we don’t agree with their choices. Love doesn’t mean saying something wrong is right — it means wanting what is truly good for them.

Tommy: So… is it bad?

Bishop Sheen: It’s not God’s plan for a man to dress up as a woman, especially in front of children who are still learning the truth. It can cause confusion — like mixing up your ABCs. If someone taught you “B” was “Z,” you’d have trouble reading later, wouldn’t you?

Tommy: Yeah… I might think “B” was “Z” forever!

Bishop Sheen: Exactly. Boys and girls are different, and that’s a good thing.

Tommy: But he smiled and was nice.

Bishop Sheen: And that’s good to notice. We can appreciate kindness in people even when we disagree with their actions. Jesus did that — He spoke with all sorts of people, but He always invited them to follow God’s way.

Tommy: So I can be nice but still know what’s true?

Bishop Sheen: Absolutely. You can smile, be polite, even say “thank you” — but you keep in your heart the truth you’ve learned from your parents and the Church.

Tommy: Will I always remember?

Bishop Sheen: If you keep asking good questions, yes. God gave you your parents to guide you, and the Church to help you see clearly when the world tries to mix things up.

Tommy: Okay. God made boys to be boys and girls to be girls, and that’s good.

Bishop Sheen: That’s right, Tommy. And now… do you know the best thing about being a boy?

Tommy: What?

Bishop Sheen: To grow into a man who protects the truth, loves God, and takes care of others.

Tommy: Like a superhero?

Bishop Sheen: (smiling) Exactly. God’s kind of superhero.

Tommy is sent to play outside. His parents, David and Laura, sit across from Bishop Sheen, their faces showing a mixture of relief and concern.

Bishop Sheen: You have a fine little boy — bright, observant, and full of questions. That’s a sign of a healthy mind and heart.

Laura: We’re glad to hear that, Bishop. But we’re troubled. We had no idea this was going to happen at his school.

Bishop Sheen: Your concern is entirely natural. At six years old, a child’s sense of identity is still forming. The clearer and more consistent the examples they see, the more confident and secure they become in knowing who they are.

David: So this can confuse him?

Bishop Sheen: Yes. A young child learns male and female identity not just from what you tell them, but from what they observe in adults. When a man presents himself as a woman — especially in a cheerful, story-telling setting — it ties positive emotions to a false picture of reality. That can make a child doubt what he’s been taught about God’s creation.

Laura: And that doubt stays?

Bishop Sheen: It can. A single exposure may not undo everything, but repeated exposures or lack of correction can erode confidence in the truth. Worse, it may plant the idea that feelings can overrule facts, or that truth itself is flexible.

David: The school says it’s about “acceptance.”

Bishop Sheen: Acceptance is only virtuous when it aligns with truth. Christ accepted people to lead them toward God’s plan, not to affirm them in error. To treat falsehood as if it were truth is not kindness — it’s confusion disguised as compassion.

Laura: So what should we do?

Bishop Sheen: First, reaffirm to Tommy that being a boy is a God-given gift. Second, help him distinguish between the person and the action — kindness in a person doesn’t make every choice they make right. Third, make sure he knows he can always come to you with questions. An open conversation at home allows you to correct confusion before it takes root.

David: And about the school?

Bishop Sheen: You have both the right and duty to protect your child’s moral formation. Ask for advance notice of events, and withdraw him when necessary. Education is not only about the mind, but the soul. A confused soul is far more dangerous than a poor grade in arithmetic.

Laura: Thank you, Bishop. You’ve been clear but also compassionate.

Bishop Sheen: Remember, the surest shield for a child is a home where truth is lived joyfully. Give him both clarity and warmth, and he will carry them into every confusing place the world might take him.