Target is being criticized by some consumers for selling women’s swimsuits with “tuck-friendly” construction to conceal male genitalia.
Target is a leader in identity politics. While Bud Light recently made headlines for its marketing campaign with a transgender advocate, Target has been at the forefront since its founding. In 2016, the retailer was boycotted after it issued a statement stating that “transgender guests and team members” were allowed to “use the bathroom or fitting room that corresponds to their gender identity.”
Target has been displaying June Pride Month displays for years with rainbows and LGBTQ+ messages. But the addition of swimsuits in female style that can be “tucked” to cover male genitalia, has angered many on social media. These products are available in a dedicated pride section of stores and have a label that says “Thoughtfully fits on multiple body types, gender expressions, and sexual orientations.”
Chrissie Mayr, a comedian from Toronto, posted two photos on Twitter of a one-piece swimsuit she saw in a store. The tag indicated that it was “tuck-friendly” and had “extra crotch protection.”
She joked, “Thanks @Target for the perfect swimsuit to creep out all the children and women at the pool this Summer,” “Can’t-Wait to Tuck My C— into This Little Number While Sipping A Bud Light!”
Thanks to @Target I found the perfect swimsuit for creeping out all the women and children at the pool this summer.
Can’t wait to tuck my cock into this little number while sipping a Bud Light! pic.twitter.com/sGD1fc74P9
— Chrissie Mayr🇺🇸 (@ChrissieMayr) May 16, 2023
“No real woman would be caught dead in that swimsuit, it’s hideous. It’s exactly what a dude pretending to be a woman would wear,” Mayr stated. “The only thing I’ll be tucking is my money back into my wallet and shopping elsewhere. What an obnoxious virtue signal from Target. And it’s not even June yet.”
The swimsuit was also criticized by Oli London, author of “Gender Madness”.
He wrote: “Target has become the latest brand to go woke, and make an unfortunate decision that will alienate their customer base by forcing gender ideology in the face of consumers.” “Only 0.6% identify as trans, so why does Target push these swimwear designs with ‘tuck-friendly’ designs in the stores that are in prime positions? Target customers and the majority of men do not want their penis ‘tucked’ into a woman’s swimsuit. “I’m sure that most men would find it uncomfortable and emasculating at the very least.”
He also noted that the sale of such products could have financial implications for the company.
London added: “It is also out of touch and offensive for women, who are once again being openly mocked so Target can score a perfect on the woke Corporate Equality Index” (CEI). Target’s customers will surely treat it like Bud Light, as many have been offended by the Pride Collection which features clothing with gender ideologies slogans for infants and toddlers.
Adidas, which is part of Adidas’ pride collection, also sparked controversy by releasing photos this week of men modeling women’s swimwear.
Target’s CEO warned Wednesday that it expects to lose $500 million this year. He blamed violent crime and theft.
On an earnings call with analysts, CEO Brian Cornell said that shrink rates were worsening, adding that violent incidents at Target and in the retail industry are on the rise.
