What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria

By Kyle Casey Chu and Andrew W. Shaffer

A joyous picture book biography of Jos Sarria, a pioneering activist, drag queen, and the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the United States

Once upon a time, there lived a boy named Jos who dreamed of becoming royalty--and of a queendom where everyone would be treated fairly and with respect.

A child of immigrants from Colombia, Jos Sarria was born in San Francisco in 1922. With the support of his family, he grew up to discover what it means to be a queen: he fought against evil by serving in WWII, helping to liberate a Nazi concentration camp; he inspired others to be their authentic selves by performing at San Francisco's Black Cat Caf , a haven for artists and activists; and he cared for his community through his LGBTQ+ advocacy work, including the establishment of the Imperial Court System, a global charitable organization that still thrives today.

Sarria led by example, joyfully giving back to his community while challenging the status quo. With a fairy-tale feel and radiant illustrations, this picture book biography celebrates his legacy of seeing the world not as it is but as it could be.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1419780808
• ISBN13: 9781419780806
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
• Length: 40 Pages
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3