Twin Cities Pride Excludes Target from Annual Festival

Celebrating diversity and inclusivity at the Twin Cities Pride Festival.

News Summary

In a notable decision, Twin Cities Pride has chosen to exclude Target from its annual festival due to the retailer’s recent shift away from its diversity and inclusion initiatives. Target has historically been a significant sponsor, contributing up to $70,000 annually. However, community leaders have expressed disappointment over this change, which impacts funding for LGBTQ events. The controversy surrounding Target reflects broader political movements affecting corporate commitment to inclusivity. While the retailer’s participation is off for this year, there is hope for more accountable support in the future.

Twin Cities Pride Excludes Target from This Year’s Festival

In a significant move, Twin Cities Pride has made the decision to exclude Target from their annual festival and parade. This comes in light of the retailer’s announcement that it would be scaling back its diversity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, something that festival organizers deemed unacceptable.

Target’s Long-Time Sponsorship Now in Question

For years, Target has been a solid supporter of Pride events in Minneapolis, generously donating between $50,000 and $70,000 each year to Twin Cities Pride. However, this year, their planned sponsorship hit a bump after the company announced a shift in focus on their DEI goals following a particularly rough week for the LGBTQ community.

The Impact of Wider Political Movements

Target’s withdrawal from these crucial initiatives coincides with a broader trend seen at the federal level—a reaction against DEI programs that started gaining traction during the presidency of Donald Trump. This led Twin Cities Pride to view Target’s changes as a breaking point.

Disappointment from Community Leaders

Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride expressed deep disappointment at Target’s decision, which altered plans for this year’s festivities set for June 28-29 at Loring Park. Target’s recent announcements, including the conclusion of their three-year DEI objectives and their initiative on Racial Equity Action and Change that started after George Floyd’s murder, have left many questioning the retailer’s commitment to support the LGBTQ community.

Affecting Festival Funding

Target’s financial backing has traditionally played a vital role in covering festival expenses, as well as assisting LGBTQ individuals and people of color who run booths during the events. With their uncertainty now in play, concerns about funding for this year’s celebrations are very real.

Pride and Controversy: A Complicated History

In the past, Target has had its share of controversies related to LGBTQ issues. Back in 2016, they made headlines by allowing customers to use bathrooms based on gender identity, but they later changed course by adding more private options. Just this year, they faced backlash from conservative groups, prompting them to pull some Pride-themed merchandise from stores.

Voices of Discontent from the Community

Local leaders, including members of the city council and state legislature, voiced their discontent regarding Target’s recent decisions. Activists, including the Executive Director of OutFront Minnesota, have strongly criticized Target for not sticking to their commitments, emphasizing the need for businesses to stand firmly for inclusivity, especially amidst current political pressures.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Participation

While Target’s participation is firmly off the table for this year, there remains hope for the future. Community sentiment suggests a desire for inclusivity from corporate players involved in Pride events. Though Target might not be permanently excluded, a clear expectation is now set: companies need to actively support DEI efforts and the LGBTQ community.

Final Thoughts

The Twin Cities Pride Festival stands as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and representation. With the backdrop of changes from major corporations such as Target, Walmart, and McDonald’s—who have all wrestled with their DEI commitments under political pressures—the spotlight shines brighter than ever on the responsibility of businesses to champion the communities they serve.