Last week, Target made a pledge in support of the right for its customers to use the restroom and fitting room that corresponds with their gender identity. Now, there is a growing campaign to #standwithtarget, and you can be a part of it by clicking here.
In its powerful statement, which has been published in the context of debate about anti-LGBT legislation around the country, Target wrote:
Recent debate around proposed laws in several states has reignited a national conversation around inclusivity. So earlier this week, we reiterated with our team members where Target stands and how our beliefs are brought to life in how we serve our guests.
Inclusivity is a core belief at Target. It's something we celebrate. We stand for equality and equity, and strive to make our guests and team emembers feel accepted, respected and welcome in our stores and workplaces every day.
We believe that everyone -- every team member, every guest, and every community -- deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally. Consistent with this belief, Target supports the federal Equality Act, which provides protections to LGBT individuals, and opposes action that enables discrimination.
In our stores, we demonstrate our commitment to an inclusive experience in many ways. Most relevant for the conversations currently underway, we welcom transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.
We regularly assess issues and consider many factors such as impact to our business, guests and team members. Given the specific questions these legislative proposals raised about how we manage our fitting rooms and restrooms, we felt it was important to state our position.
Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And you'll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target.
Target's restroom and fitting room policy is an important stand for inclusivity. Unfortunately, there has been some backlash against this policy. Among those calling for a boycott of the company is Anita Staver, whose husband, Mat Staver, is listed in GLAAD's Commentator Accountability Project, which accumulates critical information about frequently cited anti-LGBT figures.
But Target is standing firm. According to NPR, when company spokesperson Molly Snyder was asked about a petition to boycott Target, she responded, "We certainly respect that there are a wide variety of perspectives and opinions. As a company that stands firmly behind what it means to offer our team an inclusive place to work -- and our guests an inclusive place to shop -- we continue to believe that this is the right thing for Target."
In support of Target's continued support of LGBT inclusivity, the Family Equality Council has started the #standwithtarget campaign. The site serves as a place for people to support and thank Target for its stand on LGBT rights. The #standwithtarget website states, "Target is standing on the right side of history. Join us in standing with them." Visit the website or tag the campaing on social media to show your support for Target's stance.
Reporters covering Target's policy, or a variety of nondiscrimination related bills and ordinances should familiarize themselves with GLAAD's "Debunking the 'Bathroom Bill' Myth" guide, in order to alleviate misunderstandings about transgender people, who have a right to use facilities that correspond with their identities.
