Controversial publications opposing transgender individuals and far-right ideologies withdrawn from RuPaul's digital bookstore, Allstore.
In the world of literary e-commerce, Allstora, co-founded by the iconic American drag performer RuPaul Andre Charles, has found itself under the spotlight. The online book marketplace, which boasts over 10 million titles and significant book discounts, has become the subject of increasing scrutiny due to its stocking of books from authors known for their anti-LGBTQIA+ stances.
Recently, a book by Chaya Raichik, a former real estate agent who operates far-right and anti-LGBTQ+ social media accounts, was discovered on Allstora's shelves. This revelation led to a viral post, with users questioning how an LGBTQ+ icon-owned site could stock such titles. One user exclaimed, "Look at what RuPaul is selling!" while another queried, "Is he ok?"
Allstora defends its content selection with a philosophy of tolerance and promoting a deeper understanding between people of opposing views. The company believes in the importance of understanding ideologies of hate to combat them effectively, likening its approach to that of university libraries and other online marketplaces by choosing to carry all books.
However, the controversy has led to a policy reversal. Allstora has recently removed some content perceived as right-wing, including works by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Matt Walsh, Riley Gaines, and Libs of TikTok founder Chaya Raichik.
Allstora's upcoming venture, RuPaul's Book Club, aims to connect readers with diverse narratives and authors. The subscription service will highlight RuPaul's curated book selections. Despite the recent controversy, the company asserts its commitment to ensuring fair compensation for authors and promises to double their income through profit sharing.
When The Advocate reached out to an Allstora spokesperson, the company declined to comment and directed the publication to a new FAQ page on the company's website. The spokesperson's views on the controversial book assortment of the online shop can be found in official Allstora press releases or interviews on their website.
As Allstora moves forward with its plans to revolutionize the e-commerce landscape, the debate surrounding its content selection continues. The company's approach to carrying books with controversial viewpoints has sparked both criticism and intrigue, promising a complex and ongoing conversation in the world of literature and e-commerce.
