Target, Target, Target. How many times does the queer community have to remind them that their pride collection is anything but proud? Infamous for its performative activism, Target’s pride fashion collection is riddled with over-used slogans, rainbows and products that don’t even have anything distinctive of pride culture.
This year’s Target pride collection includes a plethora of rainbow striped pajamas and t-shirts with performative phrases like “equality,” “love is love” and “I am valid.” The major retail store announced a downscaling of pride products following conservative backlash in 2023. Employees were threatened by homophobic customers who were offended by Target’s “tuck friendly” bathing suits.
Though Target claims to support LGBTQ+ owned brands, offering them in select stores to appease homophobic customers tells a different narrative.
Social media influencer Connor Clary also critiqued Target’s flop of a collection, with the LGBTQ+ owned brand GRRRL Spells revealing a disappointing collaboration with Target. The BIPOC queer brand designed some of Target’s pride merch, but their original designs were altered with more vague phrasing to play it safe.
Take a look at their gothic apparel directly online!
Rather than harp on Target’s cringey pride collection, we’re going to give you a list of LGBTQ+-owned brands that offer unique, stylish and bold designs bound to leave you proud during June.
Gay Pride Apparel
Founded in 2019, Gay Pride Apparel is an all-inclusive, Latinx-owned clothing line with raunchy and cute t-shirts. Even better is that their website allows people to shop by LGBTQ+ identities, so if you identify with one sexuality or gender identity, you can head right to the products you’re looking for.
From mugs, stickers, blankets, flags and cute shirts, this brand offers plenty pride fashion and home goods while supporting BIPOC businesses.
Mars Wright
Mixed-media artist and trans activist Mars Wright offers a captivating collection of pride merch without rainbow-washing. Each shirt is designed with a spunky edge that celebrates trans identities with unique thought put into every outfit.
Wright also sells a variety of funky prints, mugs and Christmas ornaments celebrating queer pride. Purchasing from his brand also supports the Unique Woman’s Coalition, an organization that supports Black trans women. Wright donates a portion of his earnings towards the group, lifting up other trans voices.
Queerly Designs
This queer-owned shop is groovy, colorful and funny. What started as an Etsy shop in 2018 has blossomed into athriving online business selling hilarious shirts up to a size 3XL. Products range from a “Holigay Collection” for winter to feminist shirts to rock all-year round.
Though their apparel is marked with rainbows, they’re incorporated into clever slogans, innuendos and designs bound to turn heads.
A Tribe Called Queer
A self-identifying non-profit, this brand is lead by Black, queer badass Sabine Maxine. The mission of A Tribe Called Queer is to promote mental wellness and resources for BIPOC. They have a plethora of collaborations with book clubs, gender clinics and yoga studios.
For those looking to make a bold political statement for social justice, A Tribe Called Queer has the perfect t-shirts for you.
Stuzo Clothing
Founded by Stoney Michelli Love, celebrities like Ruby Rose and Jada Pinkett Smith have slayed in Stuzo’s feminist apparel. With gender non-conforming tanks, crop tops and tees, Stuzo aims to create inclusive styles and sizing for all queer people.
As a Black and Panamanian queer person, Love’s brand is dedicated to supporting BIPOC queer people. One section of their website gives helpful information on first dates with gender-neutral people!
We hope you found our list of LGBTQ+ clothing lines helpful! Target should definitely take some notes, but for now, let’s continue celebrating the pride of queer love through fun fashion!
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