Target, a well-known retail store, has found itself in the midst of a widespread boycott as Americans express their discontent with corporations leveraging social causes to market products to children. The recent controversy stems from Target’s decision to stock ‘pride’ products designed by a designer who identifies as a Satanist, incorporating occult imagery.
"Trans witches for abortion"
"Join our gay cult"
Definitely NOT trying to use designs and art to groom, manipulate and control kids👀 pic.twitter.com/11foB4QMrw— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 21, 2023
Wisconsin Activist Raises Concerns. Wisconsin activist Scarlett Johnson has brought attention to Target’s decision to carry products designed by an individual known as Abprallen. Notably, some of these products embrace Satanism, which has caused significant controversy and backlash.
Why did @target hire a Satanist to design pieces for their recent "Pride" clothing line?
WTF👉🏽"Satan loves you and respects who you are… LGBTQIA+ people are so often referred to as being a product of Satan or going against God's will, so fine. We'll hang with Satan instead." pic.twitter.com/FLsNZNzHNa
— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 20, 2023
The Controversial Product Line. Target offers a range of products under its ‘Pride product line, specifically categorized as “Pride Adult Clothing.” This collection comprises various items that showcase slogans and designs with the purpose of advocating for and showing support to the LGBTQ+ community. Noteworthy examples of these products include a compact messenger bag labeled “We Belong Everywhere,” a spacious tote bag featuring the phrase “Too Queer for Here,” and a comfortable sweatshirt conveying the message “Cure Transphobia, Not Trans People.”
"Being called a demon is something I can cope with, and the idea of a trans demon is pretty damn cool, most of my work focusses on gothic or dark and satanic imagery juxtaposed with bright colours and LGBT+ positive messages."
Why @Target? Why on earth did you think hiring this… pic.twitter.com/CCey1lWIe3
— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 21, 2023
The “Satan Respects Pronouns” Shirt. A notable item that has garnered significant attention is the “Satan respects pronouns” shirt. The accompanying description emphasizes the discrimination experienced by individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, who are frequently subjected to derogatory associations with Satan or deemed contrary to the divine will. However, the description contends that both the Church of Satan and The Satanic Temple exhibit greater acceptance towards LGBTQ+ individuals. It further clarifies that Satan serves as a symbol denoting attributes such as fervor, dignity, freedom, optimism, benevolence, parity, and affection. The purpose of the shirt is to demonstrate solidarity with all members of the LGBT+ community.
@Target "Pride" designer enjoys this favorite Christmas tradition: satanic flea markets🤷🏽♀️
"It’s almost time for London’s (the world’s!?) greatest Christmas market! Head to the gloriously huge @electrowerkz_ this Sunday for @satanicfleamarket’s incredible AntiChristmas Fayre." pic.twitter.com/lnRSF4YpVI— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 21, 2023
Controversial Imagery and Slogans. In addition to the “Satan respects pronouns” shirt, Target’s ‘pride’ product line also includes items featuring skeletons adorned with pride and trans colors. Some products even display slogans like “gay cult” and buttons with the phrase “trans witches for abortion.”
Did you know @Target also sells “tuck-friendly” bathing suits for children in the Pride section? Well now you do.#BoycottTarget #GaysAgainstGroomers pic.twitter.com/ohK7X3D4N3
— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) May 20, 2023
Additional Product Offerings. Aside from the controversial ‘pride’ products, Target is also selling a separate line of swimwear labeled as ‘tuck-friendly’ for children. Moreover, they offer an extensive range of clothing for transgender and LGBTQ+ kids, along with chest binders.
