“Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.”
Target in a statement announcing the removal of some of their LGBTQ+ products after receiving some pushback from customers.
may 24, 2023
Why It Matters: Target - one of the country's largest general-merchandise retailers with over 1,900 stores nationwide - will remove some of its LGBTQ+ merchandise from its annual Pride Month collection. The announcement comes after the company says it has faced unspecified backlash: Since introducing this year's collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and well-being while at work. The items being removed have not been specified.
Broader Context: Ahead of Pride Month in June, companies like Target, Walmart, and H&M are putting out their annual displays - Target says they have done this for the last decade. However, these displays and timing of Pride Month come amid a larger national debate about transgender issues, such as participation in sports and gender-affirming health care.
Target pulls some LGBTQ+ merchandise from stores ahead of June Pride month after threats to workers (The Associated Press)
For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month. Since introducing this year's collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and well-being while at work. Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior. Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year.
