Drag Icon Kim Chi Celebrates Queer Joy and Libraries in New Novel

Kim Chi: From drag sensation on stage 
to championing stories on paper

We all know Kim Chi from her dazzling performances on *RuPaul's Drag Race*. But she's not just about glitter and glam—she's a creative powerhouse. After launching a hit cosmetics line and penning a bestselling cookbook, Kim Chi's taking on a new challenge: co-authoring a middle-grade novel. This latest project brings together her love 
of drag, friendship, art, and those magical places we call libraries.

Meet Jae Han and Donutella Hamachi

Teaming up with young adult author Stephan Lee, Kim Chi introduces us 
to *Donutella Hamachi and 
the Library Avengers*. The story follows 12-year-old Jae Han, a Korean immigrant who finds peace at his local library, where he dreams up a comic hero named Donutella Hamachi. For Jae, this library isn't just a place with books—it's a haven that brings together other kids who feel like they don't belong.

But there's trouble brewing. The mayor wants 
to bulldoze their sanctuary 
to make room 
for a shopping mall parking lot. Inspired by Donutella's bravery, Jae and his friends take a stand 
to save their cherished library.

Kim Chi's love affair with libraries

In a recent chat, Kim Chi opened up about what drew her 
to writing 
for kids. "When I was about 12 or 13, my family moved from Korea 
to America. Learning English and making friends wasn't easy. 
The library became my safe space," she reflected. Growing up with tight finances, Kim Chi spent countless hours at libraries, lured 
by reading programs that offered rewards like free bagels.

She continued, "Through this book, I want 
to share 
the joy and magic libraries brought 
to my life."

Why libraries matter

Kim Chi stressed how vital libraries are 
to communities. "A library isn't just a place 
to borrow books. It's a necessary resource worth defending," she said. With libraries under threat from challenges like censorship, Kim Chi's story touches 
on these issues while keeping 
the narrative fun 
and engaging. "I aimed 
to tackle important topics without making it overly political. It's a tricky time 
for stories like these," she explained.

Beyond queer representation: A dive 
into identity and immigration

Kim Chi's book touches on themes like immigration, identity, 
and self-expression. She reminisced about how authors like Roald Dahl and Beverly Clearey shaped her view 
of diverse experiences. "Their stories pushed me 
to embrace creativity and enjoy different cultures," she noted.

The novel also explores her fascination with strong female characters 
and drag. "I didn't have drag culture growing up, but it resonates with my love 
of femininity and beauty," she shared.

An open invite 
to celebrate queer artistry

Kim Chi hopes her book inspires kids 
to explore and celebrate their true selves. "It's so important 
for young people 
to see diversity and queerness 
as beautiful," she said. "Art should be a space 
for expression, not indoctrination."

Eyes on what's ahead

Despite some hurdles, Kim Chi's staying true 
to her vision. "If we don't use our platforms, we let our community down," she asserted. While there's pressure 
to make something great, she believes in her book's power 
to do good.

Looking forward, Kim Chi teased that there might be more stories 
on 
the horizon. "Fingers crossed," she laughed. Jae and Donutella's journey might just be beginning.