Comment: Retailer removes LGBTQ Pride items from stores

In May, US retailer Target removed items from its LGBTQ Pride Collection of t shirts, mugs and other merchandise after threats and confrontations in certain stores. The company said they acted to protect employees after what it described as "volatile circumstances" in some of its outlets.

Peter Forshaw, Weightmans Partner and the firm’s LGBTQ+ lead comments:

“This report is a further sad and worrying reminder that society still has some way to go to ensure inclusivity and equality for all, to enable everyone to be able to live their chosen life without bias or prejudice. Threats to the LGBTQ+ community are still alarmingly prevalent, leaving many of those who identify as LGBTQ+ in fear of their way of life and, in some cases, their personal safety.

“Whilst in a democratic society, the ability to hold and debate different views on a range of issues and ideologies should be embraced, the demonstration of hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, by means of attacking symbols representing the celebratory Pride movement, are to be condemned. Nothing should surely be contentious about phrases like ‘Love is Love’.

“The decision by Target to withdraw such stock, or move it to the back of its stores, thereby denying the LGBTQ+ community and others the right to purchase, or giving rise to the impression that in the face of such extreme reaction, the LGBTQ+ community should recoil, is disappointing and one would have preferred them to maintain the prominence of such items (as they would the rest of their stock) and persevere with the courage of their convictions. However one may have some sympathy for their stance when damage to property and staff safety are involved.”

Whilst this story relates to the US, it accords with worrying signs in the UK with attacks on retail staff generally on the rise and retailers becoming increasingly exposed to acts of intimidation, harassment and abuse. A British Retail Consortium survey in March 2023 showed 850 incidents recorded per day, with the total cost of retail crime standing at £1.76 billion in 2021/22.

Peter adds: “Whilst not identified as related necessarily to LGBTQ+ issues by the BRC, it is a further worrying sign that certain sections of our communities are becoming less respectful and less tolerant. In such climates, minority groups often do not escape unaffected. The Guardian report in April 2023 of damage to retail premises in Manchester’s Gay Village for the third time in six weeks, and the fact that that reports of homophobic hate crimes increased by 41% in the year to March 2022 (56% increase for transphobic hate crimes ) are just further reminders that we have some way to go to achieve genuine diversity and inclusivity in the UK.

“The Target incidents may have happened overseas but prejudice and homophobia is a worldwide issue and one which everyone has a part to play in tackling.”