Thank You, Target, For Your Inclusion Policies

Dear Target,

I could thank you for so many things: the aroma of buttery popcorn as I walk through your doors, the 5% savings every time I swipe my Red Card, the extra wide aisles, the Starbucks, the Dollar Spot, and of course, your large family bathrooms that have helped me out in several dicey situations while dragging my three small children through your store.

But I am sitting down today to write a letter to you about something so much bigger and broader than the fact you have been my escape for many years: I want to say thank you for standing up and having a voice. Thank you for using your company as a platform for the greater good, to show you will not discriminate against the LGBTQ community. You are setting a tremendous example and people are noticing. I’m hopeful that other major companies will follow your lead.

Despite the boycott by ultra-conservative organizations, despite their petitions, despite the ignorant rhetoric being spewed about how you welcome your shoppers to use the fitting rooms and bathrooms they are most comfortable in and feel fits with their gender identity, you have not backed down. Instead, you have made your stance even more clear. Crystal clear.

Brian Cornell, Target’s CEO, told CNBC, “We’ve had a long history of embracing diversity and inclusion. A couple of weeks ago, I had one of our team members send me a note reminding me that if we went back to the mid-’60s, our company was one of the very first to use African-American models in their advertising. And back then, it wasn’t well received. We had a lot of tough feedback, but sitting here today, we know we made the right decision. And I certainly recognize that the stance we took (which, by the way, was very similar to many of our retail peers) has received quite a bit of feedback and as a company we’re constantly listening. So, we listen to our guests, we listen to our team members.”

Target is doing the right thing, and they are unapologetic. I know. I know. “It’s all for the money.” And even if that’s the case, I was going to spend it anyway, so I’d rather give it to a corporation that models acceptance — the same values I try to teach my children.

Brian goes on to explain, “But if there’s a question of safety, I can tell you and others: Our focus on safety is unwavering. And we want to make sure we provide a welcoming environment for all our guests — one that’s safe, one that’s comfortable — and that’s our commitment over time. So, we took a stance and we’re going to continue to embrace our belief of diversity and inclusion and just how important it is to our company.”

In other words, you can take your petitions, roll them up, and insert them where the sun doesn’t shine (your butthole).

Bravo Target for not backing down, for being a huge voice for the LBGTQ community, and for crashing through any roadblocks that come your way. Your inclusion policies are spot-on. You see how important — how vital — this is, and you are taking action.

Clearly, we still have work to do since there are some ignorant people rallying against this decision for humanity, but your effort is acknowledged and appreciated.

I have a sibling who is trans. I have many gay and trans friends. This is personal for me. Your policy stands for their freedom as well as the safety of all shoppers. And to all those who disagree with this public acceptance, just know this: If you think someone wants to use the restroom (or dressing room) that fits their identity just to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you are wrong. Check your facts, please.

Thank you, Target.

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