Target Removes Pride Items After Threats to Employees’ Safety

Target is removing some Pride items in certain locations after threats were made to their employees’ safety, a company spokesperson has told The Advocate.

News broke Tuesday that the chain had removed some displays in stores across the South.

Responding to The Advocate’s questions about the situation, a company spokesperson said in a statement, “For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month. Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing while at work.”

They added that due to these “volatile circumstances,” they are changing their plans with Pride displays and items.

The spokesperson said those “adjustments” involved “removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.”

That behavior includes confrontations between customers and workers and items being chucked on the floor, according to Reuters. The outlet reports that Target is also reviewing some adult bathing suits that are trans-inclusive and described as “tuck friendly.”

The store’s Pride items have been across the internet over the last couple of weeks. Target’s Pride selection has been met with enthusiasm over its inclusivity (and campiness).

However, the company is just the most recent one to cave to pressure from anti-LGBTQ+ influences.

“Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year,” the Target spokesperson said.