Ellison Concerned After Target Pulls Pride Merchandise; Among 15 AGs To Sign Letter To CEO

MINNEAPOLIS — Attorney General Keith Ellison joined 14 other attorneys general in a letter expressing concern with Target after the Minnesota-based retailer pulled some Pride Month merchandise in response to threats and violence in certain markets.

In the letter to CEO Brian Cornell, co-led by Ellison and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, the signers offered Target assistance in responding to the intimidation and destruction, encouraging the company to contact police about any anti-LGBTQ+ crimes, according to a news release this week from Ellison’s office.

“Though we do not doubt Target’s longstanding commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality, and though we laud your intention to keep your staff members and customers safe, we fear your choice to pull Pride merchandise demonstrates that intentional violence and intimidation can set back the march for social progress and LGBTQIA+ equality,” the letter said.

Ellison in the release noted the recent adoption in several states of laws barring public schools from discussing LGBTQ+ identity, limiting gender-affirming care, prohibiting transgender people from using bathrooms or playing on sports teams aligned with their gender identity, and restricting drag performances.

More than 100 bills targeting transgender people have been introduced in state legislatures since 2020, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.

Ellison added that the Minnesota Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and that the law extends to the “full and equal enjoyment” of goods and services at businesses open to the public.

In addition to removing some products in May, Target also moved Pride displays to the back of stores in certain southern locations in response to online complaints and in-store confrontations, such as those involving customers who tipped over items.

"Tuck friendly" women's swimsuits, which allow trans women who have not had gender-affirming operations to conceal their private parts, were among Target's Pride items that garnered the most attention. Target also removed online designs by Abprallen, a London-based company that sells some occult- and satanic-themed LGBTQ+ clothing and accessories outside of Target.

Target has long been seen as a trailblazer among retailers in the way it embraced LGBTQ+ rights and customers. It was among the first to showcase themed merchandise to honor Pride, which takes place in June, and it has been out front in developing relationships with LGBTQ+ suppliers. The company remains a sponsor of the upcoming Twin Cities Pride Festival, according to the Star Tribune.

Target has also faced backlash. In 2016, when a national debate exploded over transgender rights, the company declared that "inclusivity is a core belief at Target" and said it supported transgender employees and customers using whichever restroom or fitting room "corresponds with their gender identity.”

Even after being threatened with boycotts by some customers, Target announced months later that more stores would make available a single-toilet bathroom with a door that could be locked.

As recently as last year, law enforcement agencies were brought in to monitor a social media threat from a young Arizona man who said he was "leading the war" against Target for its Pride merchandise and he encouraged others to take action.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.