Dear Trixie,
I want to start by saying this comes from a place of genuine admiration.
I am a long time fan. I listen to your albums, I buy your music, I consume your podcasts, I have been to your live shows, and yes, I even bought the sample swatches of the Trixie Mattel wallpaper because that level of commitment felt entirely reasonable and normal to me at the time!
You are someone whose work brings me a lot of joy and inspiration, which is why I am writing this open letter with care rather than criticism.
When I saw your recent post about wanting to get a pet bird to keep in a cage, I felt surprised and honestly a bit deflated. Not because I expect perfection from anyone, but because your public life is so often rooted in compassion and progressive values.
You have been vegetarian for decades. Your make up brand is proudly vegan-friendly. You talk openly about ethics, responsibility and growth. All of that makes it hard to reconcile the idea of keeping a bird confined for human pleasure or companionship.
Birds such as budgies and cockatiels are not domesticated companions in the way dogs are. They are wild animals whose bodies and minds are shaped by flight, movement, and complex social lives. Flying is not enrichment for them. It is fundamental. A cage, regardless of size or how lovingly it is set up, removes choice, agency, and freedom from an animal whose entire being is built around those things.
We now understand far more about animal wellbeing than we once did. Caged birds often show signs of long term stress such as feather plucking, repetitive movements, and distress vocalisations. These behaviours are not cute quirks, rather they are signals of frustration and psychological harm.
There is also the issue of social needs. Birds are flock animals and they communicate constantly and form deep bonds. No human can replace a flock, and even bonded pairs kept in cages are prevented from living in ways that make sense for their species.
Adaptation to captivity does not equal consent.
What feels especially uncomfortable is the power dynamic. A caged bird cannot leave nor can it decide where to go or how to live. Its entire world is controlled by someone else and loving an animal should never require removing its ability to choose.
I say all of this because I believe you are someone who listens and reflects. It is surprising and disappointing to see this idea from you precisely because you have shown such care in other areas of your life.
If you love birds, there are kinder ways to express that love. You could support bird sanctuaries and rescues, learn about birds in the wild, and help protect habitats. Enjoy birds without owning or confining them. Do a bird blush range through Trixie Cosmetics and donate to bird charities!
Appreciation does not require possession to be meaningful.
I hope you reconsider your bird plans. This letter is not intended as a pile on, but an invitation to align your actions with the values you have so often championed.
With respect, gratitude, and hope.
Sean
Fat Gay Vegan
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