A clothing brand has claimed that some of its Pride-themed items have been removed from Target stores after alleged "threats from domestic terrorists".
Ash+Chess, a queer and trans-owned business, took to Instagram to share their heartbreak that some of their products will no longer be sold in stores after some customers had reacted angrily to Target's Pride displays.
The New York-based brand shared a statement on Instagram, writing: "We are saddened to say that the majority of our collection has been removed from Target stores due to threats from domestic terrorists.
"Emotionally, we do not currently have the bandwidth to comment further on this. We appreciate your support and love. Queer and trans people exist in the past, present, and future, and we are stronger together. We love you all. Ash + Chess."
While some of the collection has been removed from shelves, items from Ash+Chess's Pride collection are still available online.
A Target spokesperson had earlier spoken out to address the backlash it had received, saying in a statement: "For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month.
"Since introducing this year's collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and wellbeing while at work.
"Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior. Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year."
According to reports from the New York Times, some stores have moved the prominent Pride displays from the front of the shop to further back in order to prevent some of the scenes which have taken place in store, including people attempting to destroy the displays.
Despite some attempting to "boycott" Target over their support for the LGBTQ community, many others have spoken out to dispel the myth that the retailer is selling items which are "inappropriate" for children within the kids' section.
Among the items that have come under fire from some are swimsuits with extra material in the crotch for "tucking" and bikini tops with "light binding".
One TikToker highlighted the double standards of people complaining about these items - which are only available in adult sizes, not children's - and the triangle and bandeau bikinis which come in sizes for young girls.
Target is not the only company to have faced backlash for showing support for the LGBTQ community, as Maybelline and Bud Light also faced protests over the use of transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney in their adverts.
Pride Month is usually celebrated in June, stemming from the Stonewall riots in 1969, an uprising which was the tipping point of gay liberation protests in the US. The month is used to highlight and work to overcome the past and ongoing struggles faced by the LGBT community as well as to celebrate and recognize the impact members of it have had globally.
