Pride stickers and various rainbow-themed items have already appeared at checkout counters in boutiques, pop shops, and large retailers in preparation for LGBT “Pride Month.” By June 1st, products celebrating gay, lesbian, trans, and “queer” identities will be at their peak, indicating the best time to hold off on your debit card until you’re ready.
Even if you don’t purchase rainbow shoes from Converse, you will still have to endure the same-sex affirmations and uninspired sermon videos urging you to “just be yourself.” And even if you opt out of buying the stainless steel “pride-inspired” tumbler from Caribou Coffee, which promotes “the power to become oneself,” the company donates $5,000 to its Rainbow Wardrobe, providing free gender-affirming clothing to encourage individual expression with confidence.
By purchasing their coffee, you may inadvertently find yourself supporting the culture of physical alteration. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental or emotional well-being, consider avoiding shops where pride is commercialized. Be aware that you might be manipulated; these companies care about you as much as dentists do when selling cotton candy in their waiting rooms.
Need evidence? Just look at Target, which embraced a vibrant rainbow theme in 2023. Check out their range, including breast bind swimsuits for girls and “tuck-friendly” options for young boys. Following backlash, Target moved these items to less noticeable locations within stores.
This year, the promotion of pride at Target has been toned down to the point where it amuses some and leaves the LGBT community disappointed, as they still pushed their rainbow promotions with items like five-page themed trivia. Products include bingo cards and the “Living Your Truth” t-shirt.
They even sell quirky imported “pride” bird figurines, named “Gal and Pal.” Could they possibly belong to a Crossdress Drag Queen Bird collection? Both figurines feature long eyelashes, pink sunglasses, and are styled to represent the lesbian flag, yet wear masculine vests. Is there a romantic connection, or are they simply companions?
Target’s offerings extend to bizarre accessories, including a small moving truck for “gals and pals,” adorned in the colors of the lesbian pride flag with a “pride” license plate. The driver’s compartment is too small for birds, but it accommodates them in the back. Someone might purchase that truck without fully grasping what it symbolizes.
Target and Bud Light faced boycotts in 2023—after the beer brand launched a male-focused marketing campaign featuring a trans activist. It demonstrates that it is indeed possible to resist the absurdity of companies that pander. If you want to be respected, don’t let yourself be exploited. If you desire to stand out as special and unique, the good news is that opting out of purchasing the same LGBT Pride rainbow socks as everyone else means you already are. These products merely fill corporate pockets seeking profit during the gap between graduation and July 4th.
If you desire to coexist peacefully with others and seek acceptance, consider avoiding the commercialization of pride. It’s a self-centered endeavor. No group requires a designated month to celebrate inherent human dignity. Strive for original values and thrive without the need for a T-shirt to validate your beliefs.
Beth Blerge is a Federalist election correspondent. She is an award-winning investigative journalist with decades of media experience.
Source: thefederalist.com