Dear John,

Rainbows and Mickey Mouse.

Target’s line of children’s clothing celebrating Pride is colorful and kid-friendly. Children who love bright colors and Disney gear can wear it with confidence that it’s okay to be who they are, and that their families can enjoy the same freedom.

But what a threat to those who oppose human rights for LGBTQ+ people! Young children wearing bright colors and loving their parents!

Despite Ted Cruz’s claim that boycotts don’t work, Target’s stock price took a temporary hit during Pride month as a boycott spread across the South and Midwest -- backed up by violent threats against Target workers from members of the extremist groups the Proud Boys and Moms for Liberty. In response, some Target stores downsized their Pride displays, moved them to the rear of the store, or even got rid of them completely.

But the harm did not stop there. Attorneys general from Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and South Carolina saw this as weakness and now are piling on, using obscenity laws to try to permanently remove Pride merchandise from all Target stores in their states.

Confronted on Fortune’s podcast, Target CEO Brian Cornell stood his ground, defending the Pride displays. “I think those are just good business decisions, and it’s the right thing for society, and it’s a great thing for our brand,” he said. So for now, Target is standing strong against this latest attack, but the pressure is intense and without our help, they could buckle at any time.

That’s where we come in. Support Target’s commitment to a more inclusive society. Click here to send a letter directly to Target CEO Brian Cornell: Don't give in to bullies! Have pride in the consumer market for LGBTQ+ gear!

Target’s LGBTQ+ merchandise is more than just clothing. It’s a powerful symbol of acceptance, inclusion, and celebration. This is why it’s being targeted by Republicans who are trying to silence celebrations of human diversity and create a culture of fear and exclusion of those who are marginalized.

Their complaints have nothing to do with obscenity. No court would rule that a drawing of Mickey Mouse outlined in rainbow colors is pornographic. The Republicans’ aim is to squash LGBTQ+ individuality and self-expression wherever they find it.

By silencing LGBTQ+ voices, the Republicans seek to create a culture of fear in an effort to push our country backwards to a time when the LGBTQ+ community had to hide who they are and who they love.

Make no mistake: their ultimate goal is to eliminate all LGBTQ+ rights, from access to needed medical care, to protection from job discrimination, right up to and including the right to marry the person one loves, regardless of race, gender, or sexual identity.      

The only effective response for those who support human rights for all is to celebrate and acknowledge the LGBTQ+ community directly. We need to show Target that we support their commitment to diversity, and we need to demonstrate we will not tolerate bullying intended to force people into hiding who they truly are.

Click here to sign and send a message directly to Target CEO Brian Cornell, urging him to stand firm in Target’s commitment to diversity and not give in to the anti-Pride bigots.

Thank you for standing up against prejudice and hate, and celebrating Pride with the LGBTQ+ community.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action