Portland Public Schools puts drag performer front and center in 'radical joy' welcome video

Portland Public Schools launched an official welcome-back video on its Facebook page for teachers, principals and staff, featuring drag performer Poison Waters. Waters, whose legal name is Kevin Cook, appeared as an advocate, educator and host, thanking staff as the 2026–27 school year began. Corey DeAngelis criticized the move, accusing the district of promoting gender ideology and calling the video “free advertising for school choice” and homeschooling. Sonja Shaw, running for California superintendent of public instruction, said featuring Waters was an intentional ideological choice and argued public schools should focus on core academics. Moms for Liberty CEO Tina Descovich said students should not be welcomed back by a man in drag.