Build-a-Bear is a company known for its customizable and huggable teddy bears, but recently it has caused quite a stir by offering a drag queen teddy in its adult-only Barely Legal Cave for a limited time. The teddy, named Trixie Mattel, comes with signature blond hair, glitter eyes, faux lashes, a shimmering dress, and a feather boa.
Trixie Mattel is a popular American drag queen, singer, and comedian who won the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars. The teddy version of Trixie is marketed towards adults and is being sold for around $50. The announcement of this limited-time sale has received mixed reactions from the public, with some applauding the company’s message of inclusivity and diversity, while others are slamming the company for promoting what they perceive as a sexually explicit toy.
The Barely Legal Cave is a section within Build-a-Bear’s website that caters specifically to adults, featuring items that might be inappropriate for children, such as wine glasses, novelty items, and fashion accessories. In an interview with Forbes, Build-a-Bear’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jennifer Kretchmar, said the Barely Legal Cave was created to “provide guests with the curated, personalized shopping experiences that fit their unique personalities, interests, and lifestyle.”
While some may see the Trixie Mattel teddy bear as a controversial item, others believe it’s a reflection of the company’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The LGBTQ community is becoming increasingly visible in mainstream media, and companies like Build-a-Bear are catching on to this trend. In recent years, many companies have shown their support for the community by featuring drag queens in their advertising campaigns or launching Pride collections.
But for others, the controversy stems from the idea that children could be exposed to the toy. While Build-a-Bear is only advertising the teddy in the Barely Legal Cave section of their website, it’s still possible that children could stumble upon it if they happen to be browsing their parent’s computer or smartphone. Moreover, some parents have expressed concerns about the sexual stereotypes that this toy could reinforce, particularly for young children who are not yet able to understand or process complex cultural norms about gender and sexuality.
Overall, the sale of the Trixie Mattel teddy bear is an example of a wider cultural trend towards more inclusion and diversity in mainstream media. However, it’s also clear that some people are still uncomfortable with the idea of toys that are seen as overtly sexual or provocative. Whether this toy will be a successful addition to Build-a-Bear’s range remains to be seen. Nevertheless, it’s clear that the company is committed to staying relevant and engaged with evolving cultural norms and trends.
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