Gayety

Tag: target

  • Play Pride Bingo With These Hilarious Cards for Queers and Allies

    Play Pride Bingo With These Hilarious Cards for Queers and Allies

    Whether you’re a rainbow-clad ally, a demon twink on a mission, or somewhere in between, Pride Month is officially here, and so is your chance to get very judged in the most fabulous way possible.

    Introducing: Pride Bingo, the ultimate way to call out (and lovingly roast) the people around you at your next Pride parade, festival, or street fair. These two freshly made cards, one for Straight People at Pride and one for Queer People at Pride, are filled with hilariously specific moments you’re guaranteed to witness before you even make it to the port-a-potties.

    Let’s take a tour, shall we?

    Straight People at Pride: The Tank Top Chronicles

    We’re all about allyship, but this bingo card goes there. Picture it: someone screams “Yaaas queen!” at a cop in leather, takes selfies in the middle of the parade route, then loudly announces, “I’m basically bisexual after two drinks!” It’s bingo gold.

    Other free-space contenders include:

    • “OMG I love RuPaul!!” (can’t name a queen)

    • Touching a drag queen’s wig (without consent, of course)

    • Asking if the glitter is biodegradable (valid, but still)

    • Bringing a dog in a rainbow tutu and a baby in matching overalls

    If you hear “Love Wins!” yelled from a float while someone in a Target tank top spills a White Claw on their crochet rainbow bucket hat… congrats, you’re almost there.

     

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    Queer People at Pride: Glitter, Drama, and Power Moves

    The queer version of the card reads like the script of the gayest indie movie never made. From poppers breaks mid-conversation to full Sailor Moon cosplay to someone absolutely losing it during a Robyn ballad, it’s an unapologetic celebration of queer chaos and magic.

    Key square highlights:

    • “This is my villain era” crop top

    • Lost their friends, gained 3 new ones

    • Pole dancer on a moving platform

    • Queer elder holding a sign: “I fought for this”

    • Full mesh look at 2 p.m. (no SPF, just vibes)

    And if you don’t see a glitter flask by sundown, check your location. You might not be at real Pride.

    Playful Pride bingo cards are here to clock straight allies and queer icons alike. Print them, play them, and spot the chaos this festival season.
    Photo: Gayety Staff

    How to Play (and Slay)

    Bring a few printed cards, screenshot them to your group chat, or turn them into a TikTok challenge. Mark off your squares as you go, and see who gets bingo first, ideally while ducking a confetti cannon or mid-fan snap to Beyoncé’s “Heated.”

    The beauty of Pride is that there’s space for everyone: the chaotic, the sentimental, the sweaty, and the sparkly. These cards are just a cheeky way to laugh together while we take up space, spread joy, and remember why we gather in the first place.

    So whether you’re screaming “Work!” at every performer or sobbing through “Dancing On My Own,” play with pride, and remember to hydrate, reapply your glitter, and maybe don’t touch that queen’s wig.

  • If You Want To Look Like ‘An Underpaid Cabana Boy’ Target’s Pride Collection is Perfect for You

    If You Want To Look Like ‘An Underpaid Cabana Boy’ Target’s Pride Collection is Perfect for You

    Target just delivered quite the low impact pride month collection and people online are not shy of calling it out.

    On user online named Connor Clary went on to blast the new selection of muted tones distributed by the retailer, which recently rolled back its DEI initiatives as of late with many pouring out their disappointment.

    On a viral Instagram video, Clary went on to quip “Target’s annual Pride collection that we all love to hate has finally sashayed onto the scene. And much like their recent DEI policies, this year’s collection seems to be primarily centered on the color beige.”

    He also went on to say, With this neutral colored clothing collection featuring thin rainbow stripes, because what could possibly scream ‘Pride’ more than dressing like an underpaid cabana boy to be murdered in the next season of White Lotus?”

    Connor did not hold back on the collection being lackluster and also went on to criticize the other items aside from clothing in the lineup.

    As if the fashion line wasn’t puzzling enough, Target has expanded its Pride collection to include items like teapots and mugs with rainbow handles. Clary humorously pointed out that these pieces “look extraordinarily uncomfortable to grab.”Indeed, the design choices seem more suited for a minimalist art gallery than a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride.

     

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     Surprisingly, the line also includes pet toys as well.

    And if you think that was enough, Clary went on to even make an encore video poking fun at some of the products that could as he put it, basically end up in a landfill.

    Target’s 2025 Pride collection comes on the heels of the company’s controversial rollback of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In response to political pressures and a shifting corporate landscape, Target has scaled back its DEI efforts, including reducing the number of stores carrying Pride-themed merchandise and moving displays to less prominent locations. This retreat has sparked criticism from both LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups, who view it as a betrayal of the community’s trust.

     

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     Target’s actions raise a broader question: Can a corporation truly support a community if its actions don’t align with its words? The 2025 Pride collection, with its beige palette and questionable product choices, seems to suggest that inclusivity is more about optics than substance. Without a genuine commitment to DEI principles, such gestures risk being seen as hollow attempts to capitalize on a movement without contributing to its progress.

  • U.S. Retailers Quietly Maintain DEI Efforts Despite Public Rollbacks

    U.S. Retailers Quietly Maintain DEI Efforts Despite Public Rollbacks

    Several U.S. retailers that publicly scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs — including Target, Amazon, and Tractor Supply — continue to support certain DEI initiatives behind the scenes, raising questions about the tension between public and private commitments to diversity.

    Although companies like Target and Amazon have ended or restructured certain DEI programs on paper, many have assured advocacy groups and individuals that they will continue funding LGBTQ+ Pride and racial justice events, as well as supporting internal resource groups for underrepresented employees. This contradiction between public statements made to investors and private conversations with advocacy groups reveals the delicate balancing act companies are attempting to perform amid growing political and legal pressures.

    “Companies are trying to thread the needle — stay true to corporate values, satisfy various stakeholders, but reduce legal risk,” said Jason C. Schwartz, an employment law partner at Gibson Dunn who advises corporate clients on DEI issues. “It’s a challenging time for companies trying to maintain a strong commitment to DEI while navigating the current political climate.”

    Tractor Supply, a retailer that sells home and garden supplies, made headlines earlier this year when it ended a DEI program focused on increasing representation of people of color in management and enhancing support for Black education initiatives. The company also stopped collecting diversity data for the Human Rights Campaign‘s Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates businesses on their treatment of LGBTQ+ employees and customers. A spokesperson for Tractor Supply said the company had made a “purposeful decision” to remove what it considered “perceived political and social agendas” from its operations.

    However, Keayana Robinson, the contractor who led the company’s diversity data collection, said Tractor Supply offered to keep her on in a new, undefined role related to DEI. Robinson added that management assured her the company’s internal diversity initiatives, including support for resource groups for underrepresented employees, would continue. Robinson, however, declined the offer, saying she did not want to work for a company that “wants to hide me.”

    Target also announced in January that it would no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and eliminated a DEI program aimed at increasing the number of Black employees by 20% over three years. A spokesperson for Target emphasized the company’s shift in focus, stating that its new approach was geared toward increasing relevance with U.S. consumers and attracting top talent.

    Despite these changes, Target’s commitment to diversity remains a topic of concern for some advocates. Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, CEO of Rae Mackenzie Group, met with Target executives after the company scaled back its DEI efforts. Smith-Akinsanya, who organizes career events for people of color in Minnesota, said she was reassured by Target’s leadership but noted that the company’s actions were still troubling.

    “Target’s DNA remains intact, and I believe in their commitment to diversity,” Smith-Akinsanya said, adding that she understands the political challenges faced by companies in today’s climate.

    However, some advocacy groups are taking a firmer stance. Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride, said the organization declined a $50,000 sponsorship from Target this year after nearly two decades of partnership. Otto cited concerns over Target’s retreat from DEI programs and the removal of some Pride Month products in 2023. “Target can’t have it both ways,” Otto said, referring to the company’s public reassurances coupled with its policy changes.

    Similarly, Sheletta Brundidge, a Black business leader, dropped Amazon as a sponsor of her annual Black Entrepreneurs Day after learning about the company’s rollbacks in DEI programs. Brundidge recounted a phone call in which Amazon representatives attempted to downplay the changes, but she remained firm in her decision to sever ties.

    Despite these controversies, some companies are sticking to their DEI commitments, even in the face of legal and political pressures. In February, investors at Apple voted against a proposal to curtail DEI efforts during the company’s shareholder meeting. A day later, former President Donald Trump criticized Apple for its DEI policies on social media. Although Apple did not respond directly to the comments, the company has maintained that it is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, belonging, and collaboration.

    Costco Wholesale also faced a challenge in January when its shareholders voted against a proposal to limit DEI initiatives. Following this, 19 Republican state attorneys general demanded that Costco clarify its stance on DEI policies. The company has not publicly responded to requests for comment.

    The list of companies pulling back from DEI programs has grown in recent months, with notable names including Walmart, PepsiCo, McDonald’s, and John Deere. Some of these companies have confirmed changes to their DEI strategies, while others have yet to provide detailed responses.

    Lawyers suggest that companies are navigating a complex landscape, considering both legal and political risks when deciding which DEI programs to retain. “Companies are essentially picking their battles,” said Schwartz. “They’re trying to avoid battles altogether while trying to maintain their core values.”

    As these retailers walk a fine line between public and private commitments, the future of DEI programs in the corporate world remains uncertain. While some companies continue to support diversity initiatives quietly, others face growing pressure from both advocates and political figures to either fully embrace or scale back their DEI efforts.

  • Shoppers Launch 24-Hour Boycott to Protest Companies Rolling Back DEI Programs

    Shoppers Launch 24-Hour Boycott to Protest Companies Rolling Back DEI Programs

    Shoppers across the U.S. initiated a 24-hour boycott today, February 28, targeting companies that have scaled back or eliminated their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The protest is part of a larger movement by consumers and activists responding to actions taken by former President Donald Trump to eliminate DEI initiatives at the federal level.

    The boycott, which is set to last 24 hours, is the first of several planned protests aimed at companies that have reversed their commitment to DEI principles. Activists say the economic blackout is meant to send a strong political message, signaling that consumers will hold corporations accountable for abandoning social responsibility.

    “This definitely sends a political message to these companies,” said Jason Williams, a professor of Justice Studies at Montclair State University in New Jersey. “We are watching them, and we’re not going to let them get away with abandoning our causes.”

    The protest is being led by John Schwarz, also known as TheOneCalledJai on Instagram, who has rallied supporters to join the boycott. Schwarz, who claims the boycott is a direct response to “corporate greed,” is calling on consumers to stand up against companies prioritizing profit over social justice.

    In one of several videos posted on social media, Schwarz emphasized the significance of the movement. “For decades, they have told us that we are powerless, that we have no control, and that this system is too big, too strong, too unshakable,” Schwarz said. “We are going to remind them who has the power. For one day, we turn it off. For one day, we shut it down. We remind them that this country does not belong to the elite; it belongs to the people, and this will work.”

    The boycott primarily targets major retailers, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and McDonald’s. Protest organizers are also planning boycotts against other corporations, such as Amazon and Nestlé, in the coming months. Another national economic blackout is scheduled for April 18.

    The February 28 boycott builds on a national protest against Target that began on February 1. That protest, launched by civil rights activists in Minneapolis, was sparked after the retailer rolled back its DEI initiatives. The boycott coincided with Black History Month, underscoring the frustration within communities of color over companies retreating from their social justice commitments.

    Target’s reversal has drawn considerable backlash, particularly because the retailer had once been a leader in promoting DEI. In the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, Target emerged as a strong advocate for DEI efforts, positioning itself as an ally for racial justice. However, recent actions have led many to question the company’s commitment to those values.

    Before Trump’s presidency, many companies had already begun scaling back their DEI programs in response to pressure from right-wing figures, including anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck. Starbuck’s campaign has led to pushback against DEI initiatives at major corporations such as Walmart, Ford, Harley-Davidson, and Tractor Supply. As more companies face increased scrutiny over their DEI practices, activists are determined to hold them accountable.

    Boycotts have historically been an effective tool for consumer activism. For example, Bud Light experienced significant financial losses following a boycott initiated by conservatives in protest of a marketing campaign featuring trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Now, with the pro-DEI boycott gaining momentum, activists hope to demonstrate that consumers can influence corporate behavior by voicing their support for diversity and inclusion.

    While the February 28 boycott marks the beginning of a broader movement, it is clear that tensions surrounding corporate DEI practices are far from over. The increasing polarization over social justice issues in the corporate world is likely to continue fueling protests from both sides of the political spectrum.

    As the debate over DEI intensifies, consumers are making it clear that they will not remain passive. Activists argue that by participating in boycotts, they can send a powerful message to corporations about the importance of standing firm on social justice commitments, regardless of political pressure.

    More boycotts and protests are expected in the coming months as this issue continues to evolve, with many observers watching closely to see how companies will respond to the growing calls for accountability.

  • Target Continues to Faces Backlash After Scaling Back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

    Target Continues to Faces Backlash After Scaling Back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs

    Retail giant Target is facing mounting criticism, including calls for a boycott, after announcing it would scale back some of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The backlash comes after the company revealed plans to eliminate hiring goals for minority employees and disband an executive committee dedicated to racial justice.

    The announcement, made just four days after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, has ignited anger, particularly from civil rights leaders and activists. The company emphasized the importance of “staying in step with the evolving external landscape,” a reference to the shifting political environment under the new Republican administration, which has frequently criticized DEI initiatives.

    Since taking office, Trump has signed several executive orders aimed at curbing DEI efforts across the country. Among the most notable was an order to remove DEI training from the U.S. military. On January 25, Trump also publicly declared that he had eliminated “the woke crap” from government, including policies that support marginalized groups in the workplace.

    Despite these broader trends, few companies have experienced the level of public outcry that Target is currently facing. The company’s stance on DEI initiatives has been a major part of its public identity, especially since the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which occurred in Minneapolis, where Target is headquartered. The company has long positioned itself as a progressive brand, supporting various social justice causes, including LGBTQ+ rights.

    In 2014, Target publicly supported the legalization of gay marriage before it became law nationwide. Additionally, it became one of the first major retailers to allow transgender employees and customers to use the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity. In recent years, Target has also been known for its extensive Pride merchandise collections.

    However, the company faced significant backlash over its Pride merchandise in 2023, and it subsequently scaled back its 2024 Pride collection in response. Despite these challenges, the announcement to curtail DEI programs has sparked an even more intense backlash, with some accusing the company of abandoning its progressive values.

    Among the critics are Anne and Lucy Dayton, the daughters of one of Target’s co-founders. The sisters publicly expressed their disappointment with the decision, calling it a “betrayal.” In a letter published in the Los Angeles Times, they expressed their shock and dismay at the company’s retreat from DEI initiatives. “By cowering, Target and others are undermining the very principles that have made their companies a success,” they wrote.

    Dr. Jamal Bryant, a prominent Atlanta-based pastor and civil rights leader, has called for a 40-day boycott of Target, scheduled to begin in March. Bryant, an activist and author, has also launched an online petition urging Black consumers to join the boycott. The petition highlights the recent retreat from DEI initiatives by major corporations, singling out Target for its decision.

    “Target’s actions have been the greatest insult to our community,” the petition reads. “We cannot stand idly by while they erase years of progress in the fight for equality.”

    In addition to the boycott, Dr. Bryant’s petition encourages Black consumers to refrain from making purchases at Target and to divest from any Target stock holdings. The petition draws on the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for economic restraint as a means of protest. Bryant’s campaign seeks to remind companies that social justice efforts and DEI programs are vital to the well-being of marginalized communities.

    Target’s move to scale back its DEI initiatives is part of a broader trend among major corporations, many of which have faced pressure from conservative groups and lawmakers to reduce or eliminate diversity programs. These programs have become a point of contention in the political culture wars, with opponents accusing them of being divisive or “woke.”

    While Target has stated that it remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment, the company’s decision to modify its DEI programs has left many questioning its commitment to social justice. Critics argue that the company is sacrificing the values it once championed in an effort to appease political forces that oppose diversity efforts.

    As the debate over DEI intensifies, Target will likely continue to face scrutiny from both its supporters and detractors. The company’s actions could have long-lasting effects on its brand image, especially as it navigates a politically charged environment that is increasingly dividing public opinion on issues of race, equity, and inclusion.

    The ongoing backlash serves as a reminder of the powerful role that consumer sentiment and activism play in shaping corporate policies, especially when it comes to issues of social justice and equality. With calls for boycotts and petitions circulating, Target will need to carefully consider how it moves forward in its DEI efforts to balance its business interests with the expectations of its diverse customer base.

  • Twin Cities Pride Drops Target as Sponsor After Retail Chain Faces Backlash Over DEI Cutbacks

    Twin Cities Pride Drops Target as Sponsor After Retail Chain Faces Backlash Over DEI Cutbacks

    Target’s decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs is sparking significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the retailer’s home city of Minneapolis. The move has led to the cancellation of Target’s involvement in the Twin Cities Pride Festival, a long-time event where the retailer had been a key sponsor.

    On Friday, Target, headquartered in Minneapolis, announced changes to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” strategy, which includes ending its three-year DEI goals and discontinuing its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives by 2025. The announcement comes as part of broader corporate adjustments in response to increased scrutiny of DEI programs nationwide, following pressure from political leaders and conservative groups.

    Twin Cities Pride Cuts Ties with Target

    The decision to roll back DEI efforts has not been well received by local LGBTQ+ advocates, especially in Target’s hometown. Over the weekend, organizers of the Twin Cities Pride Festival, one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the region, announced that Target would no longer be involved in this year’s festivities. The move marks a significant rupture between the company and a key event that had been closely aligned with Target’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.

    Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride, explained in an interview with MPR News that the decision to sever ties with Target was made after the company’s recent changes to its DEI initiatives. Otto emphasized that, given the current climate for the LGBTQ+ community, it would not be appropriate for Target to participate in the parade or other Pride activities.

    “In the current climate that we are having to live in as a community, I made the decision that it would not be in the best interest of our community to have Target’s presence at Pride or the parade this year,” Otto told MPR News.

    Loss of Funding for Twin Cities Pride

    Twin Cities Pride also revealed on social media that its decision to part ways with Target meant losing a significant sponsor, which contributes $50,000 annually to the festival. Despite the financial hit, organizers stated that they felt the choice was necessary to stand firm on their commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and support for marginalized communities.

    To offset the loss, Twin Cities Pride launched a fundraising campaign, which as of this writing had raised nearly $28,000 toward its $50,000 goal. The organizers have received widespread support from local businesses and community members who also oppose Target’s DEI rollback.

    Target’s DEI Rollback and National Trend

    Target’s decision to scale back its DEI programs follows a broader trend seen across corporate America, where companies have faced growing pressure to reassess or eliminate such initiatives. The backlash to DEI efforts has been fueled by political and ideological shifts, particularly following actions by the Trump administration to review such programs.

    In recent months, several high-profile companies, including Amazon, Lowe’s, Meta, McDonald’s, American Airlines, and Boeing, have announced similar cuts to their DEI programs amid increasing political and public scrutiny. The companies have cited a variety of reasons for scaling back or reassessing their DEI efforts, including cost concerns and pressure from conservative activists.

    Target’s decision to scale back its DEI initiatives also comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at reviewing and, in some cases, limiting DEI programs. These orders were part of a broader effort by Trump to push back against what he called “woke” corporate practices, including DEI and environmental sustainability programs, that he viewed as overly politicized.

    What’s at Stake for Target?

    For Target, the backlash is particularly significant because the retailer has long been seen as a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, both in terms of its public-facing initiatives and its internal workplace policies. Target’s Pride Month campaigns and its extensive Pride collections, featuring rainbow-themed merchandise, have made the retailer a go-to for LGBTQ+ shoppers and allies. The company has also been praised in the past for its inclusive workplace practices, including support for transgender employees and benefits for same-sex partners.

    However, as the national debate over DEI policies intensifies, companies like Target are finding themselves caught in the middle. While some consumers and advocacy groups are pushing for more inclusive policies, others are calling for businesses to dial back their efforts, citing concerns about divisiveness and the politicization of corporate practices.

    The retailer’s decision to scale back its DEI programs may signal a shift in how it balances social responsibility with business interests. Target did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Twin Cities Pride decision or on how the company plans to address the criticism.

    Growing Scrutiny of Corporate DEI Efforts

    The controversy surrounding Target’s DEI rollback is part of a larger national conversation about corporate social responsibility, particularly when it comes to race, gender, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. As DEI programs face increasing scrutiny, companies are navigating a delicate balance between upholding their values and responding to external pressures.

    For many critics, the reduction of DEI initiatives is seen as a retreat from progress, especially in a time when issues of racial and gender equity remain at the forefront of national discussions. On the other hand, some see these moves as a necessary adjustment in the face of political polarization and shifting corporate priorities.

    As Target faces growing backlash from the LGBTQ+ community, it remains to be seen how the company will address its future role in supporting diversity and inclusion, particularly in its hometown, where it has been a key sponsor of Pride events for years.

    Target’s decision to roll back its DEI programs and its fallout with Twin Cities Pride highlight the complex intersection of corporate interests, social responsibility, and political pressures. As more companies face similar challenges, the debate over the future of DEI initiatives in corporate America is likely to intensify. For now, Target’s actions have raised important questions about the role of businesses in advancing—or retreating from—social justice causes.

  • Target Rolls Out Compression Tops and Packing Shorts in Time For Pride

    Target Rolls Out Compression Tops and Packing Shorts in Time For Pride

    Target is back with another round of Pride merchandise, but this time, they’ve teamed up with TomboyX and Humankind.

    (more…)

  • Target Announces Pro-Trans Policy, Transphobic Customers Freak Out

    Target Announces Pro-Trans Policy, Transphobic Customers Freak Out

    Probably the most annoying conservative group around, The American Family Association (AFA) is calling for a Target boycott after the company announced their decision to allow transgender employees and customers to use bathrooms that correlate with their gender identity. (more…)