As Target faces backlash, resulting in monetary losses over its Pride collection, the company has sent an internal memo stating that those who worry about the sexualization of children are extremists. The line includes clothing and accessories for children, including shirts that read “Queer! Queer! Queer!” and onesies about how trans is beautiful.
The internal memo, titled “Threat Overview,” states that “as political and social tensions rise ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Target will face a continued increase of physical security threats related to our commitments on contentious social issues including support of the LGBTQIA+ community and Pride Month.”
The retail giant stated that online campaigns and boycotts that have emerged in the wake of Target launching its Pride collection “have the potential to motivate extremists to violence.”
Listed as “recent extremist focuses” is the “‘sexualization’ of children, gender issues, and drag performances.”
Target stated that store shoppers may “express their opposition to Target’s support of the LGBTQIA+ community” through disruptions in the store or making threats of violence.
The store brand also noted that the Pride collection may “spark disagreements” among employees or “prompt concerns that Target’s values don’t align with their own.”
“Physical security risks will be highest for team members within the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The memo concluded by stating the company doesn’t see any indicators of a “unique risk to Target” yet in 2023, adding that “Our retail competitors have similar positions supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and Pride specific merchandise assortments.
Following backlash to Target’s Pride collection which includes a “tuck-friendly” swimsuit and a line catered towards children and babies, the company has moved the collection to the back of the store in certain areas.
The company also experienced a $9 billion loss in one week, and on Friday the company’s stock fell to the lowest point in three years, at $137.39.
While not a direct competing store, Bud Light has also faced severe backlash over its partnership with transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney, with the company now offering rebates in select areas that make cases of beer free or steeply discounted.
