Target is removing LGBTQIA+ products after staff kept getting threats from far-right people
Rachel Lang
Featured Image Credit: Richard Levine / Alamy Stock Photo. Twitter/MeidasTouch
Target has pulled several items of their LGBTQIA+ range after staffers across the US were viciously harassed by conservative Americans.
Pride displays have been knocked down and some workers have been approached by angry customers asking why the company promotes being proud in who you are.
Some of these shoppers film themselves during their rants and stunts and post threatening videos on social media.
In a statement, issued on May 24, Target credited the volatile environment for the removal of some LGBTIQ+ items across its US market.
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"Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work," the statement said.
"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."
Conservatives, please keep going into stores & screaming at employees. It totally makes you seem sane & rational. You definitely don't hold a minority opinion on the LGBT community, especially in New York. 😆 pic.twitter.com/Lbbo9yvvXv
— ChudsOfTikTok (@ChudsOfTikTok) May 24, 2023
Target declined to specifically identify what items have been pulled, however one particular item has been at the center of negative attention.
Target's 'tuck friendly' swimwear have been attacked by conservatives because they are swimmers that are appropriate for trans girls and women.
The swimsuits are fashioned by London-based designer Abprallen, a company that creates satanic-themed LGBTIQ+ clothing.
The occult themes behind the larger brand have also sparked concern amongst American consumers.
Social media users have slammed those attacking or harassing Target staffers for their behaviour.
One Twitter user said: "Conservatives, please keep going into stores & screaming at employees. It totally makes you seem sane & rational. You definitely don't hold a minority opinion on the LGBT community, especially in New York."
A second added: "[Right-wing Americans are] not simply trying to boycott brands they sell Pride merchandise. They are trying to terrorize and intimidate any brand that even dares to acknowledge the existence of the LGBTQ+ community."
A third Twitter user replied sarcastically: "I thought the right wing wasn’t into cancel culture."
Target’s decision comes as bills across up to 17 US states are currently being fashioned to see hate and stigma towards LGBTQIA+ people, specifically trans people and drag queens, legalized.
The right is not simply trying to boycott brands they sell Pride merchandise.
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) May 24, 2023
They are trying to terrorize and intimidate any brand that even dares to acknowledge the existence of the LGBTQ+ community. pic.twitter.com/ZXA3RKqUeJ
Anti-trans policies across America may soon include removing children from parents who want to give them gender affirming care, as well as other bans on education and trans-positive healthcare policies.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, there have been nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have gone before state legislatures since the start of 2023.
US Pride Month runs for the entirety of June.