Target has decided not to offer its collection of Pride-related products at all of its retail stores. The company made this decision in response to threats that have impacted the sense of safety among its 400,000 employees.
In a statement released on Friday, the discount retail chain based in Minnesota announced that it will continue to take part in Pride Month celebrations in June. However, the company has decided to limit the availability of its range of products designed to celebrate Pride Month due to safety concerns.
Target released a statement expressing concerns about the safety and well-being of their team members at work since the introduction of this year’s collection.
Amidst these ever-changing circumstances, we are adapting our plans by removing items that have been the cause of significant confrontations. Our primary objective now is to forge ahead with our unwavering dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we will commemorate Pride Month and extend our support to them not just during this time but throughout the entire year.
Target announced in a separate statement that the selection of stores carrying its Pride product line would be determined based on the stores’ historical sales performance.
Target, the retailer, has announced that it will continue to support LGBTQ+ initiatives through its Pride+ Business Council. This council will organize internal events and experiences for team members who are interested in participating. Target has a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and will also be taking part in Pride events in its hometown of Minneapolis.
Target, a retail giant, was established in 1902 and currently operates a vast network of around 1,956 stores across the United States.
In the past, the company has received criticism for its LGBTQ+ merchandise.
Conservative activist groups have caused concern by threatening employees and organizing boycotts over LGBTQ+ displays in stores. This has led to the recent news.
In the past year, several Republican governors, including those from Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Carolina, expressed their opposition to Target’s endorsement of an organization dedicated to eradicating bullying in schools related to sexual and gender identity.
The governors raised concerns that Target’s Pride month clothing and merchandise may potentially violate child protection laws in their respective states.
