Target Shines a Spotlight on Pride Month

Minneapolis-based Target, whose seasonal collections across the store are annually anticipated—and consistently successful—took to its Bullseye blog on June 1 to highlight the retailer's bigger-than-ever Pride Month product assortment for 2022.

But beyond showcasing items such as gender-inclusive swimwear and Pride gear for pets (all created in collaboration with LGBTQIA designers), Target also shone a spotlight on national CPG brands working to support organizations focused on LGBTQIA inclusivity year-round. The 12 "partners in progress" that the retailer calls out include the likes of Skittles, for its support of GLAAD, Bubly sparkling water (the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative), Oreo and Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods (PFLAG), and e.l.f. beauty (the It Gets Better Project).

Details about the highlighted CPG brands and the specific initiatives they're supporting can be found on a dedicated page on the retailer's website; Target also encouraged LGBTQIA entrepreneurs interested in selling at Target to get on the company's radar through the Supplier Diversity initiative. In 2021, Target committed to spending $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025.

Target's 10th annual Pride assortment, which features more than 250 items, is meant to "authentically celebrate the community," the company stated, including with products "designed by and for the LGBTQIA community, whether joining Pride celebrations this summer or showcasing the products proudly year-round." In focus this June also is intersectionality within the LGBTQIA community and, for Target's Pride Business Council, special events and "programming focused on topics like advancing beyond allyship."

Target added that it had made a $250,000 donation to GLSEN in support of its mission of creating affirming, accessible and antiracist spaces for LGBTQIA students and is awarding a grand to PrideLive, which is working to build a Stonewall National Monument Education & Visitors Center in New York.