NEW YORK (AP) — Target is removing some items from its stores and making other changes to LGBTQ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride Month, after backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers.
“Since introducing this year’s kit, we have faced threats affecting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while on the job,” Target said in a statement on 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.”
Target declined to say which items it was removing but among the items that garnered the most attention were the “tuck-friendly” women’s swimwear that allows trans women who aren’t gender-affirming to hide their private parts. designs aberlina London-based company that designs and sells Satanic and Satanic-themed LGBTQ apparel and accessories, has also generated significant backlash.
Pride merchandise has been sold out since early May. Pride month takes place in June.
And Target confirmed that it had moved its Pride goods from the front of the stores to the back in some southern stores, after confrontations and a violent reaction from shoppers in those areas.
Target’s Pride month collection has also been the subject of several misleading videos In recent weeks, social media users have falsely claimed that the retailer sells “fold-friendly” swimsuits designed for children or in kid-specific sizes.
The moves come as beer brand Bud Light is still grappling with backlash from customers angry at its attempt to expand its customer base. By partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Bud Light’s parent company said it would triple its marketing Spending in the US this summer as it tries to regain sales lost after the brand partnered with transgender influencer.
Target and other retailers including Walmart and H&M have been expanding LGBTQ screens to celebrate Pride Month for nearly a decade. Transgender issues this year — including health care to gender affirmation and participation in sports — have been a divisive topic in state legislatures and the backlash has become hostile.
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