News

Per Sia and Ali R. Blake’s New Comic Honors Drag Story Hour

The Bay's best newsletter for underground events & news
Per Sia reads from one of her favorite children’s book as part of the event for Socrates and Me her new comic book made in collaboration with Ali R. Blake and Occasional Paper Series. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

As I stepped in from the cold January air into Medicine for Nightmares bookstore and gallery, my soul was instantly warmed by a vision in pink and long black boots. With her signature infectious belly laugh, there’s no mistaking the Bay Area treasure that is Per Sia. On this day, the self-proclaimed “most lucky drag queen in the world” was celebrating the release of Socrates and Me, a new comic book that’s as heartwarming as it is groundbreaking. 

Written by Per Sia and illustrated by Ali R. Blake, this comic was part of a larger project called Occasional Paper Series Issue 52: The Adventures of Trans Educators. It’s a love letter to Drag Story Hour, queer culture, and the people who need these educators the most.

Ali R. Blake and Per Sia show off their book Socrates and Me at Medicine for Nightmares on January 19, 2025. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

Drag Story Hour isn’t just a fun, quirky event—it can sometimes be a lifeline to queer and trans youth. Socrates and Me offers a sweet, funny, and sometimes emotional peek behind the scenes of one of the most important queer cultural movements of our time. The comic chronicles a day in the life of Per Sia, a drag queen and educator who’s been performing thirty days in a row without a break. In the story, Per Sia’s exhaustion is palpable. But her commitment to showing up as her best self for the kids is unwavering. Though the audience for the reading was more adult than kid, Blake and Per Sia treated us to a fun story hour. They read us their favorite children’s books, performed an unforgettable drag number, and, most importantly, reminded us why Drag Story Hour is needed now more than ever.

Ali R. Blake reading to all of us grown up kids at Medicine for Nightmares on January 19, 2025. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

I caught up with Ali Blake and Per Sia to ask them a few questions about the project and the magic behind it.


Ali R. Blake on Socrates and Me and Drag Story Hour

What inspired you to illustrate Socrates and Me with Per Sia?

“I loved the focus of the comics. It celebrates trans educators and the work they do every day. I thought about if I had a story to share, but I wasn’t sure. I’ve been drawing more lately, though, so I decided to apply. When I got the chance to illustrate, I was thrilled. Per Sia and I connected immediately. We’re both artists and arts educators, and that really shaped the illustrations.

One Text a Week: All the Best Bay Area Events

* indicates required
Broke-Ass Stuart - By providing your phone number, you agree to receive promotional and marketing messages, notifications, and customer service communications from Broke-Ass Stuart. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.See terms.

Who is this story for?

“It’s for anyone who needs it. I hope it resonates with queer and trans kids and adults, and anyone who supports them. It’s for families, educators, and anyone who wants to be part of something expansive and freeing.”


Per Sia wanted to know if we ever felt “Like a Plastic Bag”? The song will never leave my brain again. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

Per Sia on Why Drag Story Hour Matters

You’ve been credited with being one of the original Queens for Drag Story Hour. Why is it so important to keep this tradition alive?

“I’m honored to be the first drag performer in this program, but I know it started long before me. In San Francisco, Drag Story Hour officially began in 2015. We’re about to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. For me, Drag Story Hour is more than just reading books—it’s about healing. It allows us, as performers, to connect with our inner child. When I was young, I couldn’t be my true self. I had to create a persona just to survive. Drag Story Hour allows me and other performers to heal our younger, queer selves, and to show kids that it’s okay to be who they are.”

What made Socrates and Me stand out for you?

“I love what I do, but I don’t often reflect on the impact it has. When I read the drafts of Socrates and Me, I had this amazing realization that my work does have an impact. One of my last Drag Story Hours before vacation was especially moving. A child described their feelings in ways I could never have imagined at that age. It hit me that the work I’m doing is changing lives. And when Ali Blake came on board to illustrate, everything just clicked. I’m so lucky to have worked with them on this.”

Will there be more books? Is this a series?

“This project has inspired me to write my own stories. I’ve always been afraid of writing because English is my second language. I didn’t start writing seriously until high school, and I’ve always been self-conscious about it. But this experience has pushed me to start. I’m excited to explore storytelling from the writer’s perspective. I’m usually the loud one telling the story—I can’t wait to be the one writing it!”


In a world where queer and trans people are under attack, Drag Story Hour offers a vital space for healing, expression, and love. Socrates and Me is more than just a comic book; it’s a beacon for a community that continues to fight for a world where everyone can show up as their true selves. To read the book you can visit here

Previous post

Jonathan Carver Moore: A Gallery That Builds Community Through Art

Next post

What’s Local and Seasonal, and Who the Hell Grows It? 


Vita Hewitt

Vita Hewitt

Vita is a half Chinese-Malaysian, photograph taking, plant foraging, vegetable garden growing, astronaut impersonating, conceptual art creating Bay Area human. She loves exploring the intricacies of the Bay Area Art Scene.