Target Scales Back Pride Month Collection After Conservative Criticism

Target announced that it is scaling back its “Pride” collection this year.

Details: The collection will be available online and in select stores where the collection has performed well historically.

Key Quotes: In a memo released by Target, the company stated, “At Target, we know our business thrives when we create experiences that foster a sense of belonging. That’s why we support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month and year-round.” The memo went on to state, “We continue to support LGBTQIA+ organizations year-round, including Human Rights Campaign, Family Equality and more. Target also spotlights LGBTQ-owned brands in our assortment during Pride Month and throughout the year in our stores and online.”

For Context: Last year, Target found itself at the center of controversy over its “Pride” collection. Included in the collection were swimsuits tailored for transgender women labeled “tuck-friendly.” These suits were displayed near the children’s apparel included in the collection, leading some to accuse the company of marketing the “tuck-friendly” products to children. The criticism reportedly included verbal threats to Target employees and led the company to scale back the collection in certain store locations.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum focused on criticism of Target. The Daily Caller (Right bias) rehashed conservative backlash over the collection from last summer, while USA Today (Lean Left bias) and Newsweek (Center bias) focused primarily on new criticism of Target over removing the products.