Christian Wilkins is celebrating the release of his new children’s book called Princess Mitchell, which has a strong message about acceptance and overcoming differences.
The picture book centres around the character Mitchell and his pet cat Kylie – and Mitchell getting picked on for wearing a tutu to his soccer games by a boy named Damon.
And now, in a candid new chat with 9Honey Celebrity, Wilkins, 28, spoke about becoming an author, how being bullied as a child for being different inspired his kids’ book, and why he kept his new venture a secret from his father, Richard Wilkins, until the last minute.
READ MORE: Stars reach temporary agreement weeks after shock split
“I was a queer kid obviously and I loved things that weren’t necessarily stereotypically what boys did and I felt like I didn’t fit in,” he explained.
“And some kids are confused and turn to bullying and I was bullied.”
However, he said he grew up with supportive family and friends, saying: “I feel very lucky to have the childhood I did.”
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Wilkins said he is an ”advocate for the queer community” and wanted to write a book with a LGBTQI+ message. He said he often gifts his nieces LGBTQI+ books and wanted to ”contribute” to the space.
“I want to try and create a space where some kids could see themselves reflected in the stories and create some compassion for people who aren’t necessarily like themselves,” he said.
“I’m a big advocate for the queer community as well and I think the gift of reading is an amazing thing you can give a child and I have two nieces and I try and give them books for Christmas and birthdays and they are typically LGBTQI+ and I was running out of books to give them,” he said.
“And because I have a love of passion and community, I thought why not contribute being an author – it’s a fun feather to add to my cap!”
READ MORE: Actress slyly confirms news with husband after speculation
“I’m basically just trying to tell kids the things that makes them different doesn’t make them weird, it makes them unique and that’s their superpower,” he says.
He added that his father, Nine’s Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins, 69, is ”very proud” of the book, which includes a call out and thank you to Kylie Minogue in the notes section.
“He’s very proud – I didn’t really tell him until it was a done deal… I keep things quiet until they are completed and he understands and is very excited.”