This blog originally appeared at Huff Post.
The retailer is making changes to its LGBTQ merchandise nationwide after an intense backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers.
NEW YORK (AP) — Target is removing certain items from its stores and making other changes to its LGBTQ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride month, after an intense backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers.
“Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while 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 at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.”
In response to customer backlash, retail giant Target has made adjustments to the placement of its Pride merchandise in select Southern stores. While the company did not specify the exact items being removed, there has been significant attention drawn to certain products, including “tuck friendly” women’s swimsuits designed to accommodate trans women and occult- and satanic-themed LGBTQ clothing and accessories from London-based company Abprallen.
Target’s Pride merchandise, typically released in early May to coincide with Pride month in June, has sparked controversy and faced scrutiny from shoppers in Southern areas. As a result, the company decided to relocate the merchandise from the front of the stores to the back.
The decision to alter the placement of the Pride merchandise comes amidst ongoing debates and tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ inclusivity and representation. While Target has not provided specific details about the items being removed, the attention garnered by the “tuck friendly” swimsuits highlights the importance of accommodating diverse needs and identities within the trans community.
Additionally, designs from Abprallen, known for their occult- and satanic-themed LGBTQ clothing and accessories, have drawn criticism and further contributed to the controversy surrounding Target’s Pride merchandise. The inclusion of such designs has sparked discussions about the boundaries of expression and the balance between representation and potential offense.
Target’s decision to relocate the Pride merchandise reflects the complex landscape of inclusivity and public sentiment across different regions. By responding to customer feedback and adapting their approach, the company aims to address concerns and maintain a welcoming environment for all shoppers.
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