Queer Activists Criticize Target for Removing LGBTQ+ Merchandise After a Conservative Backlash
Target’s decision on Tuesday to remove some LGBTQ+ merchandise from its stores following threats affecting its “team members’ sense of safety” has caused an uproar among LGBTQ+ supporters and activists who say the company is bowing to pressure from conservatives.
Target, which has nearly 2,000 stores nationwide, attributed the decision to violence they said their workers have been facing since its 2023 Pride Collection —which includes clothing like a “tuck-friendly” bathing suit and party supplies—launched in May. Reports of shoppers confronting employees, knocking down Pride displays and threatening the company on social media all influenced the decision, a spokesperson told the Wall Street Journal. Queer activists say the company’s decision raises broader questions about corporate accountability when it comes to supporting marginalized communities.
“Anti-LGBTQ violence and hate should not be winning in America, but it will continue to until corporate leaders step up as heroes for their LGBTQ employees and consumers and do not cave to fringe activists calling for censorship,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD in a statement. “The fact that a small group of extremists are threatening disgusting and harsh violence in response to Target continuing its long-standing tradition of offering products for everyone should be a wake-up call for consumers and is a reminder that LGBTQ people, venues, and events are being attacked with threats and violence like never before.”
Target, which has been selling pride-related merchandise for over a decade, has not yet confirmed which items will be removed from its collection. (The company did not respond to TIME’s request for comment on the situation.)
Some critics have made calls to boycott the store. “As the parent of a queer kid to whom their pride merch has meant a lot I can’t shop at a place willing to sacrifice such kids to placate hate groups,” said one Twitter user.
The backlash against Target for the pride collection comes during a particularly tense period, with GLAAD reporting that marginalized groups are facing an uptick in violence. More than 160 LGBTQ+ community events have been threatened or faced violence in the past year, according to the organization.
Marketing experts say the current polarized climate makes it particularly difficult to manage a company.
“Any brand right now runs the risk of showing up in a way that isn’t aligned with their ideal customer and alienating roughly half of the nation.”