Today is the start of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, yet for some, this time of celebration is being marred by ongoing culture wars.
Target pulled some Pride Month merchandise from shelves last week after the company received threats, saying the decision was to protect employees' safety. The Pentagon once again dropped drag shows across U.S. military facilities after Republican politicians criticized the performances. And legislation across the country is targeting gender and sexuality education, drag shows and athletic participation for transgender youth.
Boston Public Radio hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan asked listeners to call and text to share how the political climate is affecting their Pride this year.
Laura Marotta from Worcester called in to share her experience trying to buy a hat from Target that said “Queer liberation is for everyone.” When she went to check out, a Target employee said the item had been recalled and they could not sell it. The employee then proceeded to remove the remaining hats off the shelf and into the back of the store.
“I sat in my car and I cried,” Laura said. “I think these corporations [need to] give employees training on how to handle these situations instead of taking things away from us.”
Susan in Plympton, who worked for Target until about four years ago, said the company’s decision doesn’t make sense. She remembers the backlash after Target announced its bathroom and fitting room policy in 2016 that allows people to use the facilities that match their gender.
“They didn't back down from that when people were all upset about it,” Susan said. “So I'm really shocked that they're taking this position on merchandise, because it totally contradicts what they did several years ago for the restroom.”
Several listeners were concerned about safety at upcoming events this month.
“I used to look forward to Pride events in both Boston and Providence. Sadly, I’m too concerned about my personal safety anywhere I go. It would be nice if you could rely on law enforcement to enforce laws uniformly, but with so much variety of ... positions within the ranks, how could anyone feel safe going to a Pride event?” texted one listener.
“I cannot tell you how unsafe my kids feel,” echoed Anne from Shrewsbury, whose two adult children are queer and have received death threats. Anne said she has “no faith” police will protect her family.
Still, Anne shows Pride through bumper stickers. Those have prompted conversations from strangers in parking lots, including many who thank her for the support, and others who share a similar experience to her own. “I struck up a conversation with another mother of a trans young man, and we talked about how afraid we are for our kids in the United States of America.”
Another parent who called in, Deb, said she strives for visibility. When she reps her Pride T-shirt or hat, that’s a visual invitation to engage with people with different beliefs.
“I guess what I would invite anybody to do, of any political stance, is when you see me, approach me and feel comfortable enough to ask me a question,” Deb said.
Her son is gay and transgender, and she remembers years ago watching him suffer through panic attacks and thoughts of suicide.
“I truly believe that if my son were not in Massachusetts and was not able to get the care that he needed, I may not have him today,” said Deb.
