Target Removing Some LGBTQ Merchandise Following Customer Backlash

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Target Responds to Backlash: Prioritizing Safety and Inclusivity in Pride Collection

Target, the retail giant, has decided to remove certain LGBTQ merchandise from its stores following customer backlash. The company claims that it is taking this action to protect the safety of its employees. Target introduced its Pride Collection at the beginning of May, offering more than 2,000 products, including clothing, books, music, and home furnishings. Some of the items included in the collection were mugs labeled as “gender fluid,” calendars with the phrase “queer all year,” and books for children with titles such as “Bye Bye, Binary,” “Pride 1,2,3,” and “I’m not a girl.”

The decision to remove certain products comes as a result of threats and confrontational behavior experienced by Target team members since the introduction of this year’s collection. Target spokesperson Kayla Castaneda revealed that there had been incidents of Pride merchandise being thrown on the floor and an increase in confrontations between customers and employees.

This move by Target follows a conservative backlash faced by Bud Light when the beer brand promoted its product on social media with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The specific products being withdrawn by Target will no longer be available in its US stores or on its website. One of the brands affected is Abprallen, which has faced scrutiny due to its association with British designer Eric Carnell, who has been criticized on social media for his designs featuring pentagrams, horned skulls, and other Satanic imagery.

Target said it would remove some products related to Pride Month from stores after a backlash from customers caused employees to feel unsafe, becoming the latest company to get drawn into the U.S. culture wars https://t.co/CWoihYtFhg

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) May 24, 2023

While the removal of certain products is taking place, Target is also reviewing transgender swimsuits and children’s merchandise. However, no decision has been made regarding these items yet. For instance, a swimsuit sold in the women’s section has received criticism for its description as “tuck friendly,” suggesting that it can be used to conceal male genitalia.

Target has a long history of celebrating Pride Month, but this year’s collection has led to negative incidents and concerns for employee safety. By removing the contentious merchandise, the company aims to address these issues and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for its staff and customers.