Chaotic Convo #1: When Rainbow Capitalism Goes Awry

Arguably, it started out awry, but this week we got a glimpse at an even bigger mess than usual. Let's chat.

Hey there, everyone!

Welcome to the chaotic conversations, where I bring a topic that’s on my mind and invite all subscribers to chat about it. I’ll be putting up one of these each Tuesday. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts and ideas each week!

This chaotic conversation will be free to all subscribers, but starting next week these threads will be for paid subscribers only because:

1. I don’t want any trolls ruining the vibes. Yes to conversations that go all over the place and challenge our thinking in mind-opening ways. No to more of the useless shouting that happens all over the internet. Be respectful or be blocked, my pals.

2. Mediating conversations takes time and, yes, energy. I think these convos are super important. In fact, I think a lot of what is wrong with the world is due to a lack of open-hearted and tough conversations. But I also want (and need) to be compensated for the time it takes to make sure everything in these threads is on the up and up. You get it.

So, let’s get into it!

This week, media outlets began reporting that Target would be removing items from its Pride collection, effective immediately. According to the company’s statement, employees had been receiving threats and, therefore, management made the decision to remove items “at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior” in order to protect their employees.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, these items include swimsuits that allow trans women to tuck their genitals and Pride-themed apparel with skulls. Conservative activists in the midwest, especially, spread falsehoods about Target selling gender-affirming swimsuits for minors, glomming onto the widespread attacks on transgender folks (and especially trans kids) that have, infuriatingly, become a feature of our current political discourse. I assume the skulls were offensive because they evoke Satanic imagery? Although all of these non-Pride-related shirts with skulls on them are somehow fine?

The official page for Target’s Pride Collection still says that “being true to yourself and your community is something to celebrate, all year long,” but that sentiment rings a little hollow now. There’s been a lot of backlash to the removal of these items. I was particularly moved by this reel posted by @MegEmikoArt, who asked their followers to reflect on the fact that “queer and trans folks, and especially Black queer and trans folks, experience threats and violence 365 days a year.” Target caved after a few days.

I guess Target can’t be expected to ask their employees to volunteer to endure threats of violence because the higher-ups decided to take a stand about LGBTQIA+ rights. Folks who work for Target didn’t sign up for that — they signed up to sell clothes or stock shelves or work a cash register. In a sense, why should they be expected to endure threats, and anger, and vitriol?

On the other hand, Target had to have known they were stepping into a wasp’s nest when they chose to stock gender-affirming swimwear in honor of Pride. To be clear, I think gender affirming swimwear and other apparel should be available at all major retailers. But there are many (MANY!) folks who disagree with me, and they are not known for being shy about it. Translegislation.com tracks anti-trans bills in the United States; according to the site 555 such bills have been introduced in 2023 alone.

How did Target not have a plan in place for when the intolerant, anti-trans horde inevitably came knocking? When one expects a door-rammer, should one not invest in a reinforced door?

Perhaps the retail giant was just trying to make a stand. Maybe they really were naive enough not to think there’d be too much fallout.

Which brings me to our question of the week:

Rainbow capitalism is the practice of major corporations supporting pride because it’s good business sense (we like shopping too, y’all) regardless of their actual thoughts about the LGBTQIA+ community. This isn’t great, of course, but visibility matters. Supporting queer designers and makers matters. Big money supporting queer rights matters.

So. Is Rainbow Capitalism inherently corrupt and, therefore, untenable? Or is it a useful force for good? Or something in the middle?

Comment below! I will answer every comment, and I hope this turns into a lively discussion. Remember — be respectful! Love you.

Oh, and here’s a list of LGBTQIA+ indie designers who are also community activists you can support while you’re being cranky at Target.