Target to remove certain LGBT-themed merchandise from children’s section after widespread backlash

by Jacob Fuller

Vicky Arias, FISM News

Target has decided to remove certain items from its pride-themed merchandise after the clothing chain received widespread consumer backlash.

A press release on Wednesday from the chain’s corporate office stated that there have been “threats” and “volatile circumstances” in their stores, which contributed to the decision to pull various items from their Pride Collection.

“Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work. 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,” the statement read, in part.

While the company claimed that consumers have knocked down Pride Collection displays and confronted employees over various contentious items, it did not provide specific names, locations, or proof of any examples of such behavior.

Some on social media suggested that Target was attempting to gaslight conservative parents with false claims rather than own up to the backlash it received for pushing LGBTQ pride on children. Media personality Collin Rugg pointed out that Bud Light used a similar tactic in response to its recent and ongoing boycott.

While Target hasn’t made final decisions as to what exactly they will pull and what they will allow to remain, certain items have stirred intense controversy.

SATANIST DESIGNER MAKES KIDS’ CLOTHES

One of the issues at hand is Target’s decision to partner with and sell a UK brand, called Abprallen, which has been accused of having satanist ties to its products from designer Erik Carnell. Though not available at Target, on Abprallen’s website, a pin depicting a horned beast and pentagram with the words “satan respects pronouns” can be purchased. The designer explained the decision to use a demon in the pin’s design.

“So, for me, Satan is hope, compassion, equality, and love,” the designer stated. “So, naturally, satan respects pronouns. He loves all LGBT+ people. I went with a variation of Baphomet for this design, a deity who themself is a mixture of genders, beings, ideas, and existences. They reject binary stereotypes and expectations. Perfect.”

Additionally, Abprallen’s Instagram page shockingly states that “satan loves you and respects who you are.”

Abprallen’s products are no longer available on Target’s website.

Another issue sparking controversy is a bathing suit being sold in the women’s section that is marketed to transgender individuals as “tuck friendly,” which is a reference alluding to the way in which a male may conceal his genitalia. These swimsuits were initially misunderstood as being available for children.

LGBTQ CHILD PROGRAMMING

Other items in Target’s Pride Collection that have drawn controversy include LGBT clothing for children and babies, in addition to more than 20 LGBTQ children’s books. Some of the books, targeted at 4-8 year olds, include, “The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish,” and “Bye Bye, Binary.”

The store also sells pride socks for children, called “Happy Socks.” The marketing for the footwear describes the socks as representing the “greatest” cause, which is LGBT Pride.

“Let your little one in on the greatest of causes: Pride,” the description reads.

BUD LIGHT TANKS

Target is the latest in a line of businesses experiencing backlash after promoting transgender and LGBT agendas.

Bud Light recently drew heavy criticism for an ad campaign that featured transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney. According to a report from Barron’s, “Bud Light sales volumes slid 28.4% in the week [that] ended May 13” and on Wednesday, “Target stock fell 2.6%.”

Things have gotten so bad for Bud Light that parent company Anheuser-Busch is offering cases of the beer for free after a $15 rebate.

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