If anybody can pull off writing a children’s book about being yourself in these Trumpian times, it’s Randy Rainbow.
The Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, whose musical YouTube spoofs of President Donald Trump and his cronies entertain millions, is now telling a simpler, sweeter tale about his young self to kids.
It’s called “Randy Rainbow and the Marvelously Magical Pink Glasses,” and it covers the comedian’s childhood experience of being different and owning it with the help of his grandma.
Rainbow pointed out that young Randy doesn’t come out as gay in the book (though he’s open to that possibility in a sequel). But the author still factored in potential censorship amid the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I know this will be at the top of every banned list ― and I take no joy from that, it’s a sad state of affairs ― but I’m so proud to be contributing something like this at this time for that reason,” Rainbow told HuffPost recently. “Self-expression, expressive freedom, is so under attack now, so I mean, I just think any opportunity we have to impart that message that it’s OK — it’s not only OK, it’s great.”
While Trump often speaks of exacting revenge on his many perceived enemies, including entertainers, Rainbow said he hasn’t been directly targeted.
“Never,” he said. “I’m devastated to say I could use the publicity, but he’s never even blocked me on any platform.”
Rainbow acknowledged that he does “get plenty of trolls” on social media, but said, “I don’t ― knock on wood ― get as much hate mail as you would think.”
“I think it has to do with the nature of the content ... that I put out,” he continued. “Even though it is talking about polarizing issues, and I clearly am an opinionated person who shares that opinion... I try to be a spoonful of sugar, so to speak. And people who are gonna come for a parody [of] a “Mary Poppins” song, that’s not really criticism that I care to take too seriously anyway.”
Rainbow, however, is taking seriously the reported downturn in corporate advertising for Pride Month in June. Companies appear to be shying away from the annual festivities as Trump and his allies ratchet up anti-trans messaging and even try to erase gay history.
“It’s terribly disappointing, but it all comes down to the almighty dollar, and it’s just disappointing to see how many Johnny-come-latelies there are out there,” Rainbow said. “We need real allies, not these, you know, fair-weather bitches.”