Target stores across the country have introduced Pride month displays, showcasing transgender-friendly bathing suits and gender-fluid mugs among other LGBTQ merchandise. However, some stores in rural areas of the southern United States have had to move such items away from the front of their stores after public outrage. The decision was made to avoid a 'Bud Light situation', where the partnership with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney led to dwindling sales. The issue began when Mulvaney noted that packs of Bud Light were sent featuring her face as a way to celebrate a year of "girlhood". Bethany Mandel tweeted that partnering with Mulvaney was nothing compared to what Target was doing.

According to a Target insider, the company was forced to take down Pride merchandise sections in some stores in just 36 hours. Some managers and district senior directors were even told to move Pride items within a store that was just a third of the regular size, leading to outrage among customers who called themselves guests. While the move may have upset some shoppers in the south, Pride merchandise continues to be sold prominently in other parts of the United States and on the Target website. The merchandise features clothing with slogans such as 'Super Queer' and 'Thoughtfully fit on multiple body types and gender expressions'.

There was an emergency call on Friday to discuss team member safety given the amount of backlash generated by the Pride merchandise. Most employees were left in the dark about the changes, with some stores not alerting them that the Pride section would be moved to the back of the store. The insider said the company was terrified of a Bud Light situation, which would lead to a significant loss in sales. The issue has reportedly been more significant this year than in previous years, leading to the sudden action.

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