June has brought colorful Pride Month sections to Target and Kohl’s, but not everyone is happy about them.
At the end of May, Target released a statement saying that it was changing up some of its LGBTQ+ merchandise after customers knocked down Pride displays at some stores and sent threats that made employees feel unsafe.
Minneapolis-based Target didn’t return multiple requests for details on how the displays had been accepted at the Augusta Exchange or Evans locations.
However, the Pride Month displays at both local Targets had been moved to the back of the store near the dressing rooms, something the company said it had done at some of its stores in the South.
In a statement on its website, Target said it had been offering Pride Month merchandise at its stores for more than a decade.
Many Americans who are opposed to the merchandise say their religion doesn’t approve of LGBTQ+ lifestyles.
Augusta resident Evan Gertis said that Christians should strive to love and support all people, including those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, but also uphold biblical principles.
“Displaying gay pride merchandise at Target promotes a worldview that is contrary to this biblical teaching and can confuse individuals, especially children, about God’s intent for human sexuality,” he said.
Target’s merchandise includes a poster board that says “Ask me about my pronouns,” a greeting card that says “So gay for each other” on the cover and a pride celebration cookie house kit.
Molly, who was looking at the display at the Target in Augusta Exchange, said she doesn’t think the merchandise is being targeted toward kids. She asked that her last name not be used.
“They say it’s sexualizing children, but what is sexual about a rainbow or a pink dress?” she said. “It seems like there are bigger issues in the world.”
A 2021 Gallup poll showed that 21% of people in Generation Z identify as part of the LGBT community, while only 3% of Baby Boomers say the same.
One of the items that caused the most outrage at Target was a one-piece “tuck friendly” swimsuit that allowed trans women who have not had gender-affirming operations to conceal their genitalia. Target said it was only available in adult sizes.
“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,” Target said in a statement on its website, although it didn’t specify which items it was removing.
Kohl’s Pride Month display in Evans is located in the middle of the store with a sign at the front that says “Love is our favorite color.” Merchandise includes plates and cups with rainbow designs, a banner that says “Love is love” and a baby bib that says “Proud of my family.”
Kohl’s didn’t return multiple requests for information on how the merchandise had been received at its store in Evans. Employees at the store said that the merchandise had sold well so far.
The Kohl’s Pride collection is available online and in 600 stores across the U.S., according to its website.
Adrian Hill, who stopped by the display at Kohl’s in Evans, said that he has noticed that people in the Augusta area are becoming more accepting of the LGBTQ community.
“It’s still a little old school here, but I think the displays are more than welcome for most here,” he said. “I’m in a corporate setting here and can see it becoming more accepting.”
