Stuffed animal store chain Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced it will launch a new drag queen teddy bear modeled on celebrity drag queen RuPaul.
This is what Build-A-Bear said of their new drag queen teddy bear, which costs $56:
“Start your engines — RuPaul Bear is ready to sashay into your collection! Mama Ru makes her debut on the Build-A-Bear mainstage in the form of the first-ever RuPaul Bear!”
The bear will include curly blond hair, red lipstick, gold eye shadow, winged eyeliner, a sparkling gold sequin dress and gold paw pads that feature the RuPaul logo.
Those who want more drag accessories can also buy a pair of matching heels for an additional $8.
The toy’s description added:
“‘Cover BEAR! Put the fur in your walk. Head to paw, let your whole body talk.’ She done already done had herses — and now you can have yourses with your very own RuPaul Bear! Two iconic pop culture institutions join forces for this one-of-a-kind collector’s item made in tribute to the world’s most famous drag queen.”
RuPaul announced the Build-A-Bear collaboration in an unboxing video on Instagram, where the drag queen showcased the brown teddy bear.
“Oh my gosh! Gorgeous!” RuPaul said enthusiastically. “This is so great!”
“I feel like a proud parent!” he added. “Way to go Build-A-Bear! Rawr!”
RuPaul is best known for hosting and producing the reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
The RuPaul bear will be sold exclusively online through Build-A-Bear’s “Bear Cave.”
However, the website makes clear all toys are meant for adults 18+ – but what type of adult would buy a teddy bear for themselves?
However, the drag queen bear has drawn outrage, with some condemning Build-A-Bear for trying to influence children.
“Remember: there’s absolutely no agenda to groom your kids. Don’t be ridiculous. On an unrelated note, @buildabear is selling a drag queen stuffed bear for children,” Matt Walsh of The Daily Wire tweeted after the toy’s release.
Walsh also shared a picture that showed the RuPaul bear featured on Build-A-Bear’s main website next to its Easter products and an Axolotl stuffed animal.
He noted this in another tweet: “I’m told that the bear is sold in a section of the site that’s ‘intended for 18+ shoppers.’ Except that they have the drag bear right on the front page, front and center, alongside the Easter merchandise.”
READ: California Teacher Claims Exposing Kids to Drag Queens No different than Teaching Shakespeare
