Back in 2022, actor Kirk Cameron published a faith-based children’s book, As You Grow. But it has been met with roadblocks since its release. Cameron has since gone on a book tour that has similarly faced difficulties. Recently, while at a book event in Arkansas, protesters turned up at Cameron’s tour, including individuals in drag who sat in at the event.
Cameron has been decried by GLAAD, a non-governmental organization that responds to harmful portrayals of LGBTQ individuals in the media, for his comments against marriage equality on Piers Morgan Tonight. Here is the latest protest against the Growing Pains alum’s tour.
Protesters are seen at a Kirk Cameron book event
On Friday, Cameron attended a book event at Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville, Arkansas. An estimated 500 parents and children attended and watched as Cameron read excerpts from his book. The publisher, Brave Books, had staff around the event, who shared accounts of seeing drag queens dressed in black and white also in the audience. Brave Books also claims that there were “protesters present” inside and outside of the library.
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Cameron read part of the story that talks of “a singing elephant named Kevin who was tricked by a vulture named ‘Culture’ into thinking he might be a bird.” He then asked the children, “Do you think elephants can be birds, even if they strap on silly wings and a beak?” Cameron claims “In unison, and with great laughter, all 300 children confessed with gusto, No!”
Brave Books staff say they encountered “opposition from protesters who joined the story hour inside the library,” including drag queens with “signs claiming we were spreading a hateful message.”
What Kirk Cameron is saying in and out of this book tour
While discussing marriage equality with Piers Morgan, Cameron said he “would never attempt to try to redefine marriage. And I don’t think anyone else should either. So do I support the idea of gay marriage? No, I don’t.” Cameron is also quoted saying of gay marriage, “I think that it’s – it’s – it’s unnatural. I think that it’s – it’s detrimental, and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.” His comments drew condemnation from other celebrities, including Cameron’s former co-star Alan Thicke.
I'm getting him some new books. The Old Testament simply can't be expected to explain everything.
— Alan Thicke (@Alan_Thicke) March 5, 2012
“I’m getting him some new books,” said Thicke on Twitter back in 2012 when the interview circulated. “The Old Testament simply can’t be expected to explain everything.” Cameron’s TV sister Tracy Gold also Tweeted, “I am a strong supporter of the #LGBT Community, and I believe in equal rights for all. #NOH8 #LOVE.”
Back in the present day, Cameron was also met with “unkind pushback (from one disgruntled librarian)” during a February event in Kentucky, which led to that librarian getting fired. What will come next?