Dear Target,
We’ve had a beautiful relationship.
What has it been, now? Ten years, I guess, since I first met you! A whole decade of love. But we both know the most meaningful season has been the last seven years.
You know, since the kids.
You, sweet Target, are a mother’s dream. It’s like you’re inside my head, thinking my Design Thoughts before I do. Anticipating the handbag I never knew I wanted. Making it fun to buy dish soap, and baby food, and school supplies. Ohhhhh the school supplies. Those bins of crayons and highlighters leave me positively giddy.
You’re brilliant, Target. I always knew you were. You think of everything. Chevron patio cushions? Check. On-point sundresses? Check. Polka dot lampshades, organic marshmallows, and hot pink nail polish? Check, check, and check.
We’ve shared some pretty special moments together, too. Remember that time I started crying in the baby aisle, when I picked out the first outfit for the baby girl in my belly? Or the time you embraced me in your frappachino-blending arms when I stumbled to you a few weeks postpartum? You were a respite for a tired and cooped-up mama, and I’ll never forget it.
Over the years, my kids have come to love you, too. What with the dollar bins, and the perfectly-organized toy sections, and the character-themed bedroom sets…You’re great with kids.
And that’s what makes this recent turn of events so confusing.
Honestly, I feel a little betrayed. I feel hurt.
This spring you released your position on the “bathroom inclusivity” issue. In it, you said, “we believe that everyone—every team member, every guest, and every community—deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally.”
Okay, fine. I’m with ya.
Then you tell me that you welcome “transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity.”
It sounds well and good, Target. Noble, even, from the right angle.
But I just have a few questions.
- How are you going to verify if someone is “transgender”? Forgive my crudeness, Target. But I’m serious. After all, this whole discussion stemmed from Obama’s recommendation to schools, and in that initiative, at least parents have to send a note in stating a child’s new gender. But in your stores, Target? Is there any sort of litmus test for who identifies as “transgender”?
- I’m going to guess that there is not. And in that case, I have to ask it: Doesn’t this just mean that any man who wants to can set up camp in the women’s fitting room, where teenagers try on their bikinis, or bathrooms, where moms lug in their kids and babies?
Target, it’s your store. It has your name on it. You can do whatever the heck you want.
But I just want to tell you, I don’t like it.
And furthermore, I just don’t think it makes sense. And I don’t mean “common sense,” because unfortunately that is no longer a universal quotient anymore.
But business sense, Target.
Less than 4% of Americans identify as “gay,” and as for transgender? That would be .03% of the American population. (source)
And who are your shoppers? You said yourself, “80% of Target’s customers are female, and 40% have children at home or in a shopping cart with them in the store.”
Let me spell it out for you. Nearly half of your shoppers are moms with kids.
Moms waiting while teenage kids try things on.
Moms corralling kids in a handicap stall so the potty-trainer can pee.
MOMS WHO LOVE YOU, TARGET.
WE WANT TO LOVE YOU.
But it seems pretty clear. You’ve chosen the *feelings* of a small minority over the safety of a majority. You’ve said it, and I hear it.
Your family’s safety doesn’t matter as much as a political statement.
So what choice do I have, Target?
Breakups hurt. But you know, I’ll move on. To be honest, I’ve been dating someone new…his name is Mr. Prime. Mr. Amazon Prime, that is. No, he’s not as cute and trendy as you. But SAME DAY SHIPPING??? That is pretty dreamy, too.
I wanted to hear this all from your own mouth, Target, so I went to your corporate website. And I found this.
“We’re always listening, and your thoughts and ideas help us make Target, your Target, a better place.” (source.)
I’m glad you’re listening. Now hear this.
I’m your Target Shopper, AND I HATE THIS POLICY.
I’ll always love you. But my family comes first. And until you prioritize my family’s safety over your agenda?
This is goodbye.
~~~
Do you agree? Target has said they want to hear from us.
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I thought long and hard on what stance I should take on Target’s decision and I decided on one: Grace.
I think if prdators were trying to harm our children they would find a way to get in. It’s not hard to dress like a woman. I think eventually there will be private rooms marked either/or but until that day who cares what the corporate head of this huge conglomerate decided?? I will still be buying swim diapers and shower curtains in a clean store at my convenience until the day I die and go to my savior in heave. Me giving that up does nothing to hasten or hamper that. I just hope we are a blessing and a light to whoever we see in our local target. Even when our kids are screaming and flailing and demanding to buy every last light saber in the store… Long live target and long live our grace.
Sarah, beautiful words! And sounds like our kids are very similar. 🙂
I would just like to say that in general it is not loving or gracious to facilitate or support a person’s psychological break with reality.
Thank you for putting into words my thoughts! Our target parking lot is not so crowded these days. It is interesting that it coincides with their statement concerning transgenders.
I’m not spending my money there and it looks like others aren’t either.
Thanks for your article.
Yes! This is on point…agree 100%
Target has made it clear that their liberal stance is far more important than my family so I no longer shop at Target. Target was my primary store for all things baby and most everyday items and I have 4..yes FOUR kids under 6 so lots and lots of diapers, wipes, baby wash, sunscreen, clothes…u could go on and on,..but I will go on—to publix and old navy and Amazon
I have thought long and hard about this issue too. I’m am glad you included the percentages, but even if we were .00001% of the customers my stance on the safety of my family wouldn’t change. I’m not going to stand outside with signs or parade through with a megaphone, but I also refuse to financially support a business that continues to shove their political agenda down our throats. On this day we remember those that have fought and died for our freedoms, I recognise Target’s right to do add they please in their stores. However, I will also exercise my right to shop safe with my baby somewhere else.
I agree with you 100%. I have not shopped there since the policy came out…in store or online. Great post and well written! I appreciate you taking a stand. It totally blows my mind at the “christians” that can’t sacrifice their love of Target and find all these excuses (love everyone, blah blah blah). Christ rebuked sin. Yes, he loves sinners, but he rebukes them too. Wake up America!
I agree!! We are taking our almost $12,000 we spent a year there somewhere else!!
Well said!!!! I too am choosing my girls’ safety over the love of all things we find at Target. Thank you for speaking up. It seems these days there is just so much more I have to watch out for and “protect” my children from.
I broke up with Target too, after reading their corporate statement. I agree with your feelings, and yes, we CAN make a difference by voting with our dollars. They will get the message, and Lord willing so will the rest of the country before this spreads to the point where we have to keep baby toilets in our minivans! (Yes, I have already gone there in my mind!)
Thanks for your awesome article! I’m in New Zealand and we don’t have this happening in stores yet….it’s only a matter of time though. You’re taking a commendable action and I hope Target reads your article. Well done, family (and God) first- you will be blessed!
You literally said everything I’ve been thinking. Target cares more for a very small minority than for the vast majority of its shoppers. I will not shop there again unless their policy changes.
Great post! My family has made the decision to stop shopping at Target too. The hardest part for me was giving up the pharmacy, but I discovered another pharmacy with the same prices that is owned by a Christian family in my community. I am going to transfer all of my prescriptions to them. I love that I can support a local business without even paying more money. I never would have checked around to find a new pharmacy if Target had not issued their statement.
I signed the Target boycott too. I don’t know if it will make any difference, but I think it is good for us to let Target know that a lot of their customers are not happy about their choice.
I totally agree and haven’t shopped there since. I also have noticed there parking lot is not so full anymore which works well since TJ Max store is a few doors a away and much easier to park now. What I don’t think many people understand is transgenders have probably been using the bathrooms with us right along. However now any man can simply say he “identifies” as being a women and can waltz Into the ladies room and no one can say anything. No need to even bother to dress like a women.
I have also broken up with Target. Thanks for posting so we know that we are not alone!
You said it so beautifully. Thank you, may God continue yo bless you and your family. I share your sentiments, I have also broken up with Target a store I used to shop at.
Thank you so much for this article! It’s so well said! I couldn’t bring myself to boycott Target earlier in the year, especially since my husband doesn’t really get it and continues to shop there occasionally. But starting with Black Friday, I am no longer shopping there. I know Target didn’t pay much attention to the boycott pledge list last spring, so I’m hoping they really feel the financial strain when the holiday season doesn’t pull them out of the deep hole they’ve dug for themselves. I just pray for the families of their employees. This could be a very tough Christmas for them.
Just came across this article. You’ve said what I thought the whole time. I went to Target again, briefly, after getting lots of their gift cards for baby shower gifts. Once those were used up, I returned to my policy of not shopping there. I don’t remember what the numbers were, but I did hear that Target’s numbers were down noticeably after taking their blatant stance on this policy. Good. Our stand has been seen.
I welcome those to exercise their right to not shop there because they disagree with thos policy and their belief system. I am so proud Target chooses to not be exclusive and adhere to your own personal beliefs and those who agree with you. I now do most of my shopping at Target because of this statement to be inclusive. I let my children know why this store policy makes me so proud for the transgender community. It is great that you and others who disagree with this policy choose not to shop there and hopefully my children do not have to be exposed to your beliefs. Or to what I feel your bigotry and lack of insight on this issue- but to each his own. The separation is for the best.