LGBT Groups Demand Target Denounce ‘Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism’

More than 200 LGBT groups are calling on Target to restock its “pride” collection and  speak out against “anti-LGBTQ+ extremism.”

The Human Rights Campaign, along with GLAAD, GLSEN, and other groups, released a call to action for Target after the retailer began scaling back its “pride” collection due to public backlash over some of its more controversial items, such as ‘tuck friendly’ swimsuits.

The June 5 statement read:

At this moment, it’s critical that Target champions equity and inclusion as it has for over a decade. Target consistently tops the list for brands that show genuine, authentic support of the LGBTQ+ community through outreach and policies. Target received recognition for outstanding commitment to DEI from the Executive Leadership Council in 2022. It’s time to prove the recognition was earned.

The LGBT groups also called on Target to make a public statement within the next 24 hours affirming its support for the LGBT community.

Target has only made one public statement regarding the controversy, and that was before the release of the LGBT coalition’s letter.

Target’s May 24 statement read:

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.

Target’s partnership with a Satan-loving designer and its “pride” merchandise marketed to children has cost the retail giant over $13 billion in market value, Breitbart reported.

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