**Target faces backlash as more than 200 LGBT organizations demand the retailer restock Pride items and denounce the “extremists” behind their removal. Target’s decision to shift the Pride section and remove items has sparked concern among advocates wanting the company to prove its support for the LGBT+ community.**
In recent weeks, Target faced a boycott after it was discovered that their collection of Pride merchandise included clothing aimed at children. Consequently, the retail giant decided to move its Pride section and remove some items from its inventory, citing “volatile circumstances” and “threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety.”
Designers whose products were taken off the shelves criticized Target for acquiescing to the backlash. Erik Carnell, a clothing designer who identifies as a transgender gay man, claimed it was a “dangerous precedent” for companies to distance themselves from the LGBT community due to public pressure.
Leading LGBT organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, GLSEN, Family Equality, and the National LGBTQ Task Force have called on Target to reaffirm its commitment to the LGBT+ community. In a statement signed by around 200 affiliate organizations, they demanded Target to restock Pride merchandise both in-store and online, prioritize employee safety, and publicly denounce anti-LGBTQ+ extremism during Pride Month.
The groups claimed that retail employees have faced “horrendous, unhinged attacks” due to the controversial merchandise, and they accuse those criticizing the Pride items as perpetuating hate against the gay, lesbian, and trans communities. The organizations believe supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion values would be both morally
