"Get out of the business of trying to redefine marriage. "Just get out of this debate and do what they're good at," Darrell said.
He said donations are up since Target started selling the T-shirts.ĭarrell also urged Target to get out of the marriage issue and stay out. Instead, he is asking supporters of the constitutional amendment to counter the Target promotion by donating $12.99 on his group's website. Progressive Gay Pride Dinosaur w/ a Top Hat Classic T-Shirt. Minnesota for Marriage doesn't plan to organize action against Target because of its focus on the November vote, Darrell said. Tags: gay, gay pride, gay pride flag, gay pride flags, dinosaur, dinosaurs, top hat, cute, mini, hat, progressive gay, progressive gay pride, progressive gay pride flag, progressive gay pride flags. "But I really think this is an extension of the longtime partnership we have had and their commitment to family." "I know and understand what a big reaction that donation had two years ago, and I think they have taken steps, serious steps, to show that they understood that reaction," Chrisler said. She added that Target, a longtime sponsor of the Twin Cities gay pride festival, is now sponsoring Family Equality Council retreats for gay families in Massachusetts and California. "Target is pleased to be able to bring our guests products they want while, in turn, helping support the LGBT community through the donation of 100 percent of the purchase price to the Family Equality Council," the company said in a statement noting its long-standing support of the gay community.Īnother statement from the retailer notes "a broad range of strongly held views" on the marriage issue and urges employees to vote.įamily Equality Council director Jennifer Chrisler said the T-shirt proceeds will fund her group's work around the country, ranging from community building to political advocacy.
Jude Children's Research Hospital through the sale of limited-edition plush dogs. Target will Donate 100 of PRIDE Merchandise Sales to Family Equality Council. A typical ad for one of the t-shirts read: PRIDE Mens Heather Grey Rainbow Colorblock Crew Graphic T-Shirt. The first, during last year's holiday season, raised money for St. The t-shirts, 10 varieties, promoted pro-gay themes such as the rainbow coupled with the word Pride or Harmony and Love is Love. She said it is Target's second promotion to benefit a specific group. Spokeswoman Molly Snyder said the T-shirt promotion was organized by a group of gay Target employees and their allies. Target hasn't taken a position on Minnesota's ballot question. They come in four designs, emblazoned with words such as "harmony" and "pride." Singer Gwen Stefani designed one shirt featuring a rainbow and a cloud that says, "LOVE IS LOVE." The $12.99 shirts will be sold on Target's website through June, or while supplies last.
The T-shirt promotion will raise up to $120,000 for the Family Equality Council, a Washington-based group that is part of a Minnesota coalition pushing to defeat the constitutional amendment.