According to Reuters news, Target stores started pulling some LGBTQ+ themed merchandise from store shelves due to “backlash” from anti-LGBTQ bigots. Target is reported to also be reviewing all such products, including clothes, books, mugs, and calendars. Some of the merchandise has been relocated to less conspicuous locations in the store.
Target stated that in an effort to protect the safety of their employees, they were removing some LGBTQ+ themed merchandise.
“Customers” (and I put that in quotes as I’m guessing at least many of the incidents were premeditated) were harassing employees and vandalizing merchandise.
And this is how terrorism works. “Don’t Say Gay” laws, anti-trans laws, boycotts of all things trans and any company or establishment that dares to associate themselves with trans. City councils and school boards are being taken over by anti-trans extremists. Books are being banned. Drag events are being banned. Pride events are being banned. LGBTQ+ people are being banned.
After making much progress for LGBT+ equal rights in the last decades, Republicans are determined to turn back the clock, and they’re making a lot of progress in many parts of the US. Democrats continue to largely sit on the sidelines.