NEW YORK –
Target is removing certain items from its stores nationwide ahead of Pride month and making other changes to its LGBTQ merchandise nationwide following backlash from some customers, including violent confrontations with its employees.
“Since the launch of this year’s collection, we have experienced threats that impact the sense of security and well-being of our team members at work,” Target said in a statement Tuesday. “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been the focus of significant confrontational behavior.”
Target declined to say which items were removed, but among those that drew the most attention were “tuck-in-friendly” swimsuits for women, which allow trans women who have not had gender-affirming surgery to hide their privates. Designs by Rebound, a London-based company that designs and sells occult and satanic-themed LGBTQ clothing and accessories, have also drawn backlash.
Pride merchandise has been on sale since early May. Pride month occurs in June.
Target confirmed it has moved its Pride merchandise from the front of stores to the back at some stores in the South following confrontations and backlash from shoppers in those areas.
Target’s Pride monthly collection has also been the subject of several misleading videos in recent weeks, with social media users falsely claiming that the retailer sells “tuck-in-friendly” children’s or kid-sized swimsuits.
The moves come as beer brand Bud Light is still grappling with backlash from customers angry at trying to expand its customer base through a partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Bud Light’s parent company said it will triple its US marketing spend this summer to recover sales lost from the brand’s partnership with the transgender influencer.
Target and other retailers, including Walmart and H&M, have been expanding their LGBTQ displays to celebrate Pride Month for about a decade. This year, transgender issues — including gender-responsive health care and participation in sports — have been a controversial issue in state legislatures, and backlash has turned hostile.
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