Renowned drag performer and television host RuPaul recently co-founded the online bookstore Allstora, aiming to be an 'all-inclusive' platform carrying a wide range of books, even those with diverse viewpoints. The initial mission was to support all voices, including marginalized ones, fostering a marketplace for all stories.

However, just days after its launch, Allstora faced criticism for selling material considered offensive to LGBTQ+ individuals, critical of transgender rights, opposed to progressive ideologies, and endorsing Nazi perspectives.

Co-founded with drag performer Adam Powell and author Eric Cervini, the bookstore aims to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and communities of color.

Backlash on Controversial Material

Allstora changed its stance on 'offensive' books and removed content perceived as right-wing, including works by Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and others. Despite the initial commitment to carry all books, Allstora took down some books.

The bookstore faced criticism for selling material considered 'homophobic,' 'transphobic,' 'anti-woke,' and 'Nazi.' In response, Allstora introduced a 'flagging' mechanism and pledged to donate proceeds from flagged titles to fight book bans. Despite these efforts, there was continued controversy, with some accusing RuPaul of 'rainbow capitalism.'

Critics argued that Allstora's recent actions suggested a lack of genuine commitment to inclusivity. A TikToker managing a lesbian bookstore described Allstora as 'a dropshipping operation with a veneer of progressivity.' Lady Bunny, a drag performer, criticized Allstora for selling books by controversial figures, and some media outlets highlighted the availability of what they considered hate speech.

The bookstore revised its FAQ page multiple times, removing its policy on 'offensive' books and no longer pledging to sell all books. Notably, Allstora stopped selling titles to high-profile right-wing writers. Some works by conservative publisher Brave Books were removed, but others critical of gender theory, such as J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series, remained available.

READ ALSO: Natalie Portman's Book Recommendation Ignites Speculations Amid Alleged Husband's Infidelity

A Mission to Combat Book Bans and Promote Diversity

There has been a notable increase in attempts to limit access to books at libraries, with a focus on those by or about queer individuals or people of color, as reported by libraries and free speech organizations. This has led to challenges, bomb threats, and even closures of libraries. Simultaneously, some states are aiming to ban drag shows and limit transgender people's access to healthcare.

RuPaul also introduced a philanthropic initiative called the Rainbow Book Bus along with the bookstore. This initiative aims to distribute diverse books to communities facing book bans and censorship, especially LGBTQ+ communities. Allstora aims to distribute thousands of books, collaborating with local LGBTQ organizations in cities like Birmingham, Ala.; Tallahassee, Fla.; and Baton Rouge, La. The objective is to give away 10,000 books by the end of the year using the brightly colored, 22-foot former school bus.

In an interview with PEOPLE, RuPaul emphasized the platform's commitment to doubling writers' incomes by splitting profits on each book sale. Allstora aims to make books more accessible by offering 30-50% discounts on all titles, promoting fair compensation and wider readership. RuPaul will also organize a monthly book club at Allstora featuring themed playlists and author interviews.

RuPaul expressed a personal connection to books, highlighting their role as a gateway to the world and a source of knowledge and empowerment.

RELATED ARTICLE: Texas Librarian Challenges Book Bans by Keeping Secret Shelf of Banned Books