Target CEO Doubles Down on Tuck-Friendly Swimwear, LGBT-Themed Items for Kids, "Contribute Positively to our Brand Image"

Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, recently dismissed concerns of potential backlash akin to the Bud Light uproar, following the launch of their LGBT-friendly swimwear line.

On the May 16 episode of Fortune Magazine’s “Leadership Next” podcast, Cornell responded to criticisms.

He emphasized that the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has proven to be a profitable business choice. He affirmed Target’s product line caters to every kind of family.

“We take pride in our mission at Target, which is all about serving every family – and we take that ‘every’ quite seriously,” stated Cornell. “Considering that most of America shops at Target, our goal is to do what’s best to support families nationwide.”

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

Furthermore, Cornell defended the decision to sell ‘tuck-friendly’ swimwear as a move that not only boosts Target’s profits but also contributes to a broader societal cause.

“From my perspective, these are not just sound business decisions, but also the right choices for society at large, and they contribute positively to our brand image,” Cornell said.

“It’s boosting our sales, fostering greater engagement with our staff and customers, and it’s the appropriate course of action for our business in today’s world,” Cornell continued.

Will you shop at Target?

Target’s new line of LGBT-themed swimwear, released in anticipation of June’s ‘Pride Month’, stirred significant controversy.

Critics voiced concerns over bathing suits that advertised ‘Tuck Friendly Construction’ and ‘Extra Crotch Coverage’, designed for individuals who identify as transgender.

Target’s transgender “tuck-friendly” clothing for children was inspired by a drag queen. These people are deliberately destroying our kids. I will never spend another penny at Target. Boycott them into obscurity.https://t.co/bERo2Ebt9d

— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) May 20, 2023

These designs facilitate the wearer’s ability to conceal male genitalia more conveniently.

The new swimwear line came into the spotlight when comedian Chrissie Mayr aired her views on social media, saying, “Thanks to @Target I found the perfect swimsuit for creeping out all the women and children at the pool this summer. Can’t wait to tuck my cock into this little number while sipping a Bud Light!”

Thanks to @Target I found the perfect swimsuit for creeping out all the women and children at the pool this summer.

Can’t wait to tuck my cock into this little number while sipping a Bud Light! pic.twitter.com/sGD1fc74P9

— Chrissie Mayr🇺🇸 (@ChrissieMayr) May 16, 2023

Further disapproval arose when Target introduced a line of LGBT-themed children’s items, including rainbow pillows and a t-shirt bearing the message: “Trans people will always exist!”

In response, conservative activist group Gays Against Groomers called for a public boycott of Target.

They posted on social media, “This is what you will find in the kid’s section of @Target. We urge you to take your business elsewhere. They are indoctrinating and grooming them with LGBTQ ideology. It is highly inappropriate and disturbing.”

In this evolving world, how can we balance the need for inclusion with the concerns of all consumers?

As we strive to respect the differences among us, should retailers play a role in this dialogue? What might that role look like?

img src=”https://thefederalistpapers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/transgender-drag-queen.jpg” alt=”” width=”800″ height=”571″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-370621″ />

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