Miles McKenna.Photo:Anna Webber/Getty Images for Disney+
Anna Webber/Getty Images for Disney+
Miles McKenna is writing a children’s book.
Miles McKenna.Rob Mainord
Rob Mainord
McKenna shares that his own childhood experiences with vampires has some similarities in common with the book’s plot.“I was raised in a family where being who I am wasn’t accepted, and I lacked the language to be able to advocate for myself,” McKenna said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. “Halloween was my favorite holiday as it’s the one night of the year where everyone’s unique look is celebrated, and you can push the ‘acceptable’ boundaries of who you’re ‘supposed’ to be.”
“I asked to be a vampire in the first grade, but on Halloween night, I felt so wrong in my big black wig and gown that was bought for me. I didn’t know why those feelings were there," McKenna continued. “The following year, in second grade, I asked again if I could be a vampire. My mom reminded me that I was a vampire the year prior. I corrected her and said, ‘I want to be a boy vampire!’”
Miles McKenna in ‘Goosebumps’.David Astorga/Disney
David Astorga/Disney
McKenna recently gained recognition for playing comic relief James in the Disney+ seriesGoosebumps, based onR.L. Stine’s best-selling children’s book series. Aside from that breakout role, McKenna is also known for his role as a LGBTQ+ activist and hisYouTube channel, which currently holds over 1 million subscribers. He previously published the bookOut! How to Be Your Authentic Selfin 2020.
I Am NOT A Vampirewill be published through GLAAD and Little Bee Book’s publishing partnership, which launched in 2018. The companies aim to share positive LGBTQ+ representation in children’s literature. A portion of the proceeds from McKenna’s book will also go towards GLAAD and their efforts.
source: people.com
