A new episode of Counterspeak, the monthly podcast of the American Booksellers for Free Expression [7] (ABFE), is now available for download on BookWeb [8], Spotify [9], and iTunes [10]. This installment features interviews with Jonathan Hamilt, co-founder of Drag Queen Story Hour [11], and Media Coalition [12] Executive Director David Horowitz.

Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is a national program that helps local libraries, schools, and bookstores coordinate events at which drag queens read stories to children. In recent months, the program has been the target of protests and negative online commentary. In this episode, Hamilt discusses the value of the program, the popular books presented during the story hours, and how communities have rallied around DQSH in the face of negativity.

In addition, Horowitz delivers an update on Media Coalition’s recent work in the free speech arena.

Counterspeak is co-hosted by American Booksellers Association Content Director Sydney Jarrard and Director of ABFE, Advocacy, and Public Policy Dave Grogan. The podcast addresses issues pertaining to free expression and the First Amendment.

Each month, Counterspeak features interviews with experts on the First Amendment and free speech, as well as discussions on relevant current events. A new episode is available on the first Wednesday of the month on BookWeb [8], Spotify [9], and iTunes [10]. For more information, check out Counterspeak’s short introductory episode [8]. You can now follow Counterspeak on Twitter [13] or contact the podcast at [email protected] [14].