Piggies in the press
Download images and photography, or scroll down to see Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias and the piggies making headlines in the news!
A picture book where everyone belongs
June 2, 2026
Chris appeared on CHCH News to discuss the launch of Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants
You can also watch here: https://www.chch.com/morning-live/a-picture-book-where-everyone-belongs/
Alexandra Billings Says Children's Book Guinea Pigs Don't Wear Pants Is ‘Filled With Hope’ (PEOPLE Magazine Exclusive)
June 1, 2026
PEOPLE Magazine featured Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants in an exclusive article celebrating the book’s launch and its message of individuality, identity, and self-expression. The feature included a heartfelt letter from acclaimed actress, author, and trans advocate Alexandra Billings, who shared her own journey growing up without the representation and affirmation many young people have today.
In the article, Billings described the book as “joyful,” “celebratory,” and “filled with hope,” praising its message of belonging and encouraging young readers to embrace who they are. She reflected on how meaningful a book like this would have been during her own childhood and thanked Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias for creating what she called “a safe place to land” for future generations. The feature also highlighted the book’s connection to the It Gets Better Project through a star-studded Queerathon read-along event supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Read more here:
https://people.com/alexandra-billings-guinea-pigs-dont-wear-pants-exclusive-11987991
Children’s picture book by Hamilton author packs big messages into small format
May 20, 2026
The Hamilton Spectator recently featured Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants, highlighting how a simple and joyful picture book can spark important conversations about individuality, self-expression, and belonging. Written and illustrated by Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias, the book invites readers to imagine a world where animals are limited in what they can wear and do, while humans are free to be themselves.
The article explores the inspiration behind the book, Chris’s journey as an author and illustrator, and the positive response the story has received from readers, educators, and advocates. It also examines how children’s books can help young people see themselves reflected in the world around them while encouraging empathy and understanding for others.
Canadian Picture Book Sparks National Conversation Ahead of 40+ Event Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 26, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Susan Pi, Publisher
susan@rebelgoosebooks.com
After months of celebrity support, online backlash, and growing national attention, Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants officially launches June 1, 2026, kicking off a 40+ stop Ontario book tour with a western Canada tour planned to follow later this year. Guests expected to attend include Tom Wilson, award-winning musician; Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels; and Jessica Holmes, award-winning comedian.
Written by creator and advocate Chris Paul Rainbows, Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants is a whimsically joyful and empowering children’s book that celebrates individuality across the rainbow-hued spectrum. But months before its official release, the book became part of a much larger cultural conversation around censorship, identity, and the growing politicization of children’s literature.
The book has drawn both high-profile praise and online backlash ahead of publication. Supporters include Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Fred Penner, Mae Martin, and Alexandra Billings. Billings called the book “one of the most important books to come out in decades,” while Rosie O’Donnell praised both the book and author as “brilliant” after reading it. At the same time, the project has attracted waves of online hostility simply for promoting the idea that every child is beautiful and worthy of love.
Rather than retreating from the backlash, Rebel Goose Books chose to respond publicly. For every hateful message the publisher and author received about the book, one copy was donated through We Need Diverse Books to low-income schools in conservative regions across the United States, resulting in 230 donated books.
“What we’re seeing right now is a battle over who gets to belong publicly,” said Susan Pi, publisher of Rebel Goose Books. “This book says every child deserves the freedom to exist without shame. The response has shown us how deeply people are hungry for that message.”
The launch will also include a personal statement written specifically for the event by Alexandra Billings, one of the first openly transgender actresses, who reflected on growing up in the 1960s without language, representation, or safety around gender identity.
“I do not look back at my life with regret, so I say to all those humans who are raising young trans humans, this book is for you,” Billings wrote. “It is joyful. Celebratory. It is filled with hope and there is a great glee in being who you are from the time you were born.”
Billings, known for roles in Transparent, Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and The Conners, described the book as “a safe place to land” for young readers navigating identity and belonging.
At a time when children’s books are increasingly being pulled into political and cultural battles, Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants arrives as both a joyful picture book and a public refusal to let shame define childhood.
Event Details
Monday, June 1, 2026
The Revival Art Store
1165 Cannon St. E, Hamilton, Ontario
3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Public Launch Event
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Invite-Only Reception
The June 1, 2026 launch celebration in Hamilton will include a public event followed by an invite-only reception attended by supporters, artists, educators, media, and community leaders. The Ontario tour will continue throughout the summer with bookstore appearances, library programs, Pride events, school visits, and community conversations across the country.BOOKS
Review copies are available.
Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias is available for interviews.
Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants by Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias
10” x 10” • 32 pages • hardcover • ages 4-8 • $24.95 CAD / $18.99 USD
978-1-0694679-1-1 • Pub Month June 2026
Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias Appears on CHCH
December 17, 2025
Chris appeared on CHCH News to discuss the It Get’s Better Queerathon Read-along.
Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Alexandra Billings Join Read-Along of Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants to Support 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 10, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Susan Pi, Publisher
susan@rebelgoosebooks.com
Vancouver Island, Canada — Rebel Goose Books is releasing a read-along video featuring Rosie O’Donnell, Margaret Cho, Alexandra Billings, and others to support It Gets Better’s end-of-year fundraising campaign for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
The video brings together over 20 queer icons, Emmy- and Juno-winning artists, beloved children’s entertainers, celebrated librarians, acclaimed comedians, and It Gets Better Youth Voices ambassadors, each reading a single line from Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants by Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias. The video will debut publicly during It Gets Better’s live Queerathon stream on Twitch on December 17, 2025.
“This book is about the joy of being exactly who you are,” says Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias, author-illustrator of the book. “As a queer kid, I never had stories like this. Seeing queer icons, performers, and youth reading these lines together makes me wish my younger self could have watched something like this. I hope it gives today’s kids even a fraction of the affirmation they deserve.”
Recent studies show 90% of 2SLGBTQIA+ young people have seen their well-being negatively affected by current politics. By placing queer youth alongside well-known public figures, the read-along offers a counterpoint to the hostility of today’s political climate. “The Queerathon is about visibility, hope, and community,” adds Susan Pi, publisher of Rebel Goose Books. “Bringing these voices together is our way of showing 2SLGBTQIA+ kids that they are surrounded by people who believe in them.”
Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants is a whimsically joyful picture book that celebrates individuality across the rainbow-hued spectrum. It is the debut title from Rebel Goose Books and available in June 2026 wherever books are sold throughout Canada and the USA.
Rebel Goose Books and Farias will donate 2 percent of all pre-sales of the book to It Gets Better to support its storytelling, education and global community building programs for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
About Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias
Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias is an award-winning creative strategist, storyteller, and online creator with hundreds of thousands of followers. They first went viral after asking a local bakery for “the gayest cake ever” to celebrate their marriage to husband Jared. Chris is the founder of Unicorn Rebellion, a creative branding agency, and speaks with students, educators, and organizations about creativity, identity, and happiness. Chris was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for philanthropy and advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
About Rebel Goose Books
Rebel Goose Books is an independent publishing house located on Vancouver Island, Canada. Their mission is to champion stories requiring courage to tell, stories reflecting the vibrant, complex world children and teens live in today—where challenges are met with resilience, differences are celebrated, and every experience offers a chance to grow.
About It Gets Better
It Gets Better is the world’s largest storytelling organization for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, offering uplifting content, community support, educational resources, and leadership programs that help young people feel seen and affirmed. Its annual end-of-year fundraising campaign brings together creators, educators, and community leaders to raise awareness and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth around the world.
For More Information
Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants: www.guineapigsdontwearpants.com
Rebel Goose Books: www.rebelgoosebooks.com
It Gets Better: www.itgetsbetter.org
It Gets Better Queerathon Event Details
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 11:15 a.m. PT / 2:15 p.m. ET
Format: Live telethon-style stream
Fundraising Goal: $150,000 USD
Donate: itgetsbetter.org/donate
Watch Live: It Gets Better’s Twitch: www.twitch.tv/itgetsbetter
Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias Appears on CHCH
Chris appeared on CHCH News to discuss gender-affirming care, the harm of transphobic billboard campaigns, and the importance of queer education.
September 15, 2025
Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants Featured on CHCH Morning
On CHCH TV’s Morning Live segment “Grandparent-Approved Books to Read to Grandchildren,” Go-To Grandma Kathy Buckworth highlighted Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants by Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias as one of the must-have titles for families to add to their shelves.
August 7, 2025
Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias Appears on CP24 for Pride Month
TikTok star and author-illustrator Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias joined CP24 to celebrate Pride Month, sharing how their viral videos that mix queer education, farm life, and kids’ show nostalgia have drawn more than 16.8 million views and showcased the power of queer joy.
June 18, 2025
King Charles III Coronation Medal
Hamilton, ON — Creative strategist, author-illustrator, and advocate Chris Paul (RAINBOWS) Farias has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities. Farias, known for vibrant storytelling and tireless advocacy for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, accepted the honor with humor: “A while back, I would have never guessed that my name and King Charles III would appear in the same sentence — but here we are.”
The medal, often associated with athletic or military achievements, was awarded to Farias for advancing queer and gender-diverse rights and for contributions to philanthropy. Their advocacy spans classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces, where they have often been the first openly queer or nonbinary person audiences had ever met.
For Farias, the medal is not a finish line but a reminder of the work ahead. “The real reward isn’t a piece of metal — it’s in the connections we make, the small wins we celebrate, and the hope we continue to build. And so, the work continues.”
Read more about Chris and the award in The Hamilton Spectator
November 1, 2024