Authors of LGBTQ+ Book Pulled From Target Speak Out
Target's LGBTQ+ Pride range have spoken out as the retailer continues to recall more products amid a backlash.Ash + Chess, which designed a series of products for the Target range, said its products had been removed "due to threats from domestic terrorists," in a statement on Friday.
Ashley Molesso and Chess Needham, who run Ash + Chess, wrote a children's book, ABC-Deconstructing Gender, that has been caught up in the controversy.Target has faced boycott calls from conservatives and threats to its staff after it displayed a range of merchandise to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride month in its stores, such as rainbow-themed clothing and LGBTQ+-friendly accessories for infants and children.One item that has drawn particular scorn was a one-piece "tuck" friendly swimsuit aimed at transgender women which provided extra material to conceal their genitalia.While some argued that the range was contributing to the indoctrination of children, others said it is positive for young LGBTQ+ people and allows them to express themselves through clothing.The uproar has fed into a broader debate about the acceptance of transgender people in public life.
