Some Target stores in southern states have reportedly been directed by the corporation to move LGBTQ Pride merchandise from the front of their locations to prevent a “Bud Light situation” after products aimed at trans-identifying children sparked outrage.
As reported by Fox News, “Many Target locations across the country feature massive June Pride month displays on an annual basis, with items this year ranging from ‘tuck friendly’ bathing suits for transgender people to mugs that say ‘gender fluid.’ But the retail juggernaut has been criticized by some conservatives for the displays, with children’s items particularly irking many customers.”
“Pride merchandise also includes onesies and rompers for newborn babies, a variety of adult clothing with slogans such as ‘Super Queer,’ party supplies, home decor, multiple books and a ‘Grow At Your Own Pace’ saucer planter,” the outlet added.
According to the report, a Target insider told Fox News Digital that many locations have moved their Pride sections to avoid the backlash that Bud Light has faced in recent weeks for using a trans-identifying influencer in a promotional campaign. The Target insider said there were “emergency” calls on Friday to address the situation and that some managers and district senior directors were told to move the Pride sections immediately.
“We were given 36 hours, told to take all of our Pride stuff, the entire section, and move it into a section that’s a third the size. From the front of the store to the back of the store, you can’t have anything on mannequins and no large signage,” the Target insider said. “We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is outrage on their part. This year, it is just exponentially more than any other year…. I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation.”
“The call was super quick, it was 15 minutes. The first 10 minutes was about how to keep your team safe and not having to advocate for Target. The last five was, ‘Move this to the back, take down the mannequins and remove the signage,’” the insider said, noting that bathing suits have replaced Pride merchandise in front-of-store displays even though Pride month does not even start until June 1.
“It’s all under the guise of trying to increase swim sales,” the insider said. “Everyone was like, ‘Thank God,’ because we’re all on the front lines dealing with it.”
A Target spokesperson told Fox News Digital the changes were made due to “volatile circumstances.”
“For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month,” the spokesperson said. “Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing 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.”