After the viral backlash last year against its Pride line, Target announced late last week that its Pride line would only be available in select stores and online. Also, only adult apparel will be available this year. Which stores will carry Target’s Pride line has not yet been announced.
According to a media response received by the Washington Blade, a Target spokesperson listed the ways the were supporting to the community this month, but not address the scaling back of merchandise:
“Target is committed to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month. Beyond our own teams, we will have a presence at local Pride events in Minneapolis and around the country, and we continue to support a number of LGBTQIA+ organizations. Additionally, we will offer a collection of products for Pride, including adult apparel, home products, food and beverage, which has been curated based on guest insights and consumer research. These items, starting at $3, will be available in select stores and on Target.com.”
As Pride season approaches, there are still several companies and organizations that are loud and proud about their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Here are five businesses where you can stock up on Pride merchandise ahead of June.
Owned by husbands Sergio and Jesus, Gay Pride Apparel has dozens of design options for Pride, including “Live, Laugh, Lesbian” “Love is an Awful Thing to Hate” and “Leave Drag Queens Alone.” T-Shirts, sweatshirts, hats and more are all available. Gay Pride Apparel gives to LGBTQ+ nonprofits year-round.
The Human Rights Campaign is on the front lines of LGBTQ+ equality in politics and beyond. This juggernaut of a nonprofit organization also has a solid line of merchandise which helps support the organization. In addition to products emblazoned with its signature blue and yellow equal sign, you can find Pride specific items like the “Love Conquers Hate” T-Shirt.
The queer-owned TomboyX has been a part of Target’s Pride line in the past and still has options available through Target. This year, you can support TomboyX directly and pick up some Pride merchandise like boxers, swimsuits, sports bras and more.
This Black and LGBTQ+-owned online shop is a queer lifestyle brand that works to encourage the LGBTQ+ community “ to embrace who they are and to show off their queer Pride, while creating more accessibility to queer history and queer culture.” In this year’s Pride collection, Queerencia features T-Shirts like “Gay Bops Only” and “Support Local Drag Queens.”
The Phluid Project was founded in 2018 and has been part of Target’s Pride collection in prior years and partners with Spencer’s, Kohls, Detroit Pistons and more. This year’s collection has designs that celebrate the diversity in our community and have a little fun too, like the “Thembo” crop top and “Let Pansies Bloom” T-Shirts.
Do you want to share some Pride resources with News is Out? Email us at newsisout@localmedia.org.