Can the Queen of Tupperware Hang On to Her Throne?

December 25, 2016 2:28 PM

The Long Island drag queen Aunt Barbara was North America’s top Tupperware-seller — until she came out as trans
posted by Etrigan (8 comments total)

I'd buy a cake pan from her!
posted by oceanjesse at 3:01 PM on December 25, 2016 [5 favorites]

That's hegemonic America for you. They love minorities when you play the stereotype, but when you try to assert your identity as a real person, they kick you to the curb. See also the African-American entertainers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who made their livings wearing blackface in minstrel shows.

I'll bet her sales routine is a scream, too. Put me down for one dishwasher-safe margarita tumbler.
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:16 PM on December 25, 2016 [48 favorites]

Maybe she can pair up with Phranc...
posted by pxe2000 at 3:34 PM on December 25, 2016 [3 favorites]

I put on some make-up
And turn up the eight-track
I'm pulling the wig down from the shelf
Suddenly I'm this punk rock star
Of stage and screen
And I ain't never
I'm never turning back

(Never noticed the film version includes Hedwig holding a dishwasher-safe margarita novelty cup. Kismet.)
posted by Nelson at 3:35 PM on December 25, 2016 [10 favorites]

Anyone who wants to help her retain her throne and needs some Tupperware can find her online store here.
posted by Amanda B at 5:23 PM on December 25, 2016 [20 favorites]

Tupperware didn't support Phranc either, despite her high volume of sales.
posted by brujita at 9:13 PM on December 25, 2016 [3 favorites]

People are garbage.
posted by AFABulous at 9:32 PM on December 25, 2016 [12 favorites]

If you ever think you don't need Tupperware that's not true. You need the double-colander, you need the wine-opener and you most certainly need the vegetable peeler, it will be the last one you ever buy. I keep buying them as random gifts, they're that good. The microfiber cloths are a nice luxury.
posted by Iteki at 12:38 PM on December 26, 2016 [2 favorites]