Trixie is 100% right. We always talk about supporting the queens we love so much, but when we buy unofficial merch instead of the equivalent official merch, we're taking money out of the queen's pocket and helping a stranger make money off that same queen's hard work. That's super shitty, especially in an industry like drag where every dollar they make is a result of a lot of time spent hustling and networking.

Merch is a major part of how queens make their living. Drag queens don't get medical, dental, and vision insurance. They don't have a 401k or a pension. They don't have sick days or paid vacation. If they get hurt or ill and can't perform, merchandise might be their only income. The money they earn doesn't only pay for all of their drag, it also pays for rent/mortgages (if they can qualify for a home loan with such an unreliable income), bills, food, regular clothes and personal products, recreation, etc. The Drag Race girls are not wealthy!

Now, I don't think there's anything wrong with buying or making items that your faves don't sell and to your knowledge don't intend to sell. But if you've never been to any of their shows, or donated to their Patreon, or bought any of their merch, but you buy unnoficial products that you could have easily gotten from them, you're a crappy fan. Bottom line, cut and dry.