'The breaking point': Twin Cities Pride ousts Target from annual parade, festival
The group's decision is a response to the retailer's plans to roll back diversity and inclusion initiatives, Executive Director Andi Otto said Sunday.
Link to Full Article (https://www.startribune.com/target-wont-be-at-twin-cities-pride-festival-organizers-say/601211617)
The Minnesota Star Tribune - Eva Herscowitz
January 26, 2025 at 5:19PM
Twin Cities Pride has decided to exclude Target from its annual festival and parade after the retailer's decision to scale back diversity initiatives.
Target's move comes as federal agencies dismantle their diversity programs after sweeping orders from President Donald Trump.
Twin Cities Pride announced its decision on social media Friday, the same day Target said it was making major changes to its DEI programming.
Target will also stop participating in outside surveys regarding diversity and inclusion, including the Human Rights Campaign's efforts.
Despite recent controversies, Target continued its support of the Minneapolis Pride festival. In 2023, the corporation continued to furnish Twin Cities Pride with funds to buy gender-affirming accessories for LGBTQ people, even after it curtailed its Pride merchandise in some stores
Target was also a festival sponsor in 2024 after increasing its sponsorship level from the year before.
Trump frequently targeted DEI initiatives during his presidential campaign, a stretch that coincided with several prominent consumer brands, including Harley-Davidson and John Deere, reducing or phasing out their diversity commitments. McDonald's and Walmart made similar moves after the election.
Twin Cities Pride's choice to distance itself from the corporation, ... is one way activists can hold companies that break promises accountable.
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