Queer Joy as Resistance: Kyle Casey Chu (aka Panda Dulce) on Drag, Books, and Building a Better World

Kyle Casey Chu (@pandadulce) is a drag performer, author, filmmaker, and one of the founding queens of Drag Story Hour—and in this powerful Pride Extravaganza episode, Kyle joins host Jaimie Kelton to talk about the art and activism that’s helping queer youth thrive. Kyle opens up about growing up in San Francisco with his autistic twin brother, coming out in middle school, and how queer joy, drag, and storytelling became his path to healing.

He shares the terrifying moment when Proud Boys stormed his reading at a public library—and how he turned that trauma into a short film now making waves on the festival circuit. And Kyle’s not stopping there: he also just released his debut middle-grade novel The Queen Bees of Tybee County, a story rooted in queer joy, chosen identity, and pageant glamor.

This conversation is about imagination, healing, and finding light even in dark places. It’s a celebration of the resilience of queer families, kids, creators, and the radical power of showing up in joy.

🎙️ “We don’t have the benefit of systems being created for us. So we have to craft them by hand. And hurt.” – Kyle Casey Chu

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🏳️‍🌈 Key Takeaways

• The origins of Drag Story Hour and its mission
• Kyle’s journey as a queer Chinese American artist
• Facing and responding to hate with courage and creativity
• Writing queer joy for middle schoolers in The Queen Bees of Tybee County
• How media representation impacts identity
• The importance of queer imagination

🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈 Kyle Casey Chu, AKA Panda Dulce is a San Francisco-based drag performer, writer, filmmaker, and one of the pioneering figures of Drag Story Hour, a program designed to introduce children to diverse role models through the art of storytelling. Known for his work in social advocacy and his creative pursuits, Kyle holds a background in social work and education. He is also an accomplished author with his debut middle-grade book, "The Queen Bees of Tybee County," and the filmmaker behind "After What Happened at the Library", which sheds light on his personal experience with hate crime.

🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned

• The Queen Bees of Tybee County 
• After What Happened at the Library is currently on the festival circuit

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🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website

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The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional f