Target announces that its Pride collection will be available in ‘select’ stores, removes LGBTQ clothing line for children

Target has announced that it will be limiting which stores sell LGBTQ-themed products this year, following backlash over its decision to sell products designed for transgender people. The retailer will be selling its Pride merchandise in a select number of its stores and online, with no Pride apparel for children being sold. This decision marks a change from offering the products in all Target stores as they have done in previous years.

A spokesperson for Target stated that the company is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and year-round, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ team members. The retailer has long offered benefits and resources for the community and will have internal programs to celebrate Pride in 2024.

Last year, Target faced backlash and a social media-fueled boycott over its decision to sell swimsuits for trans people. Many individuals falsely accused the retailer of selling them to children, leading to the retailer pulling trans-oriented products from its shelves and facing harassment from customers. The retailer’s Pride-themed clothing for children included supportive slogans such as “Just be you” and “Trans people will always exist.”

Target has been a supporter of the LGBTQ movement for the past decade, following a controversy involving its CEO’s donation in 2010 to a group that supported a candidate who opposed gay marriage. Despite this support, last year’s backlash led to the company being falsely accused of selling “satanic” children’s clothes, further alienating some conservative shoppers. Some conservatives have celebrated the announcement to dial back this year’s LGBTQ-themed collection.

The decision by Target to limit the sale of LGBTQ-themed products this year comes after last year’s firestorm over its decision to sell products designed for transgender people. The retailer will be selling its Pride merchandise in select stores and online, with no Pride apparel for children being sold. A spokesperson for the company emphasized Target’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community year-round and creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ team members.

Despite facing backlash last year, including a social media-fueled boycott and false accusations about selling trans-oriented products to children, Target has continued its support for the LGBTQ movement. The retailer has long offered benefits and resources for the community and will have internal programs to celebrate Pride in 2024. While some conservatives may have celebrated the decision to limit this year’s collection, Target remains dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community and providing a supportive environment for all employees.