By Natalia Rueda 
Retailer reacted to intense backlash last year, but faces criticism for limiting in-store offerings
Retail giant Target has announced that it will not offer its full collection of LGBTQ+ products in select physical stores during Pride Month in June 2024. This decision follows a violent backlash from right-wing activists last year, which led to controversy and vandalism in some stores. While the company says it is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, many see this move as a bow to pressure from anti-LGBTQ+ customers.
Is Target caving in to threats from anti-LGBTQ+ activism?
This decision comes after last year’s controversy in which customers were outraged and vandalized some stores in response to the launch of a special Pride collection of beachwear, this provoked backlash from some customers, even issuing threats against Target workers. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Target then decided to remove the items from its shelves citing the workers’ “sense of safety and well-being.”
As told to Bloomberg by a company employee, approximately half of its nearly 2,000 stores will sell the LGBTQ collection online and in select physical locations, marking a significant change from previous years.
While Target claims it is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, critics argue that this move shows a lack of genuine support and is succumbing to pressure from anti-LGBTQ+ customers. Civil rights groups have also chastised the company for failing to stand up to anti-LGBTQQ+ activism and instead caving in to their demands.
Target’s decision to limit the sale of LGBTQ+ products in stores during Pride month raises important questions about inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community. As the debate continues, many expect companies to take a stronger stance to support marginalized communities and confront discrimination.
With information from AP