It’s that time of year again! Target has dropped their Pride merchandise for 2023 and I for one, could not be more excited. There are a lot of conversations about Pride themed merch and ethics, and look, I totally get it. It’s hard when you’re a marginalized group who seemingly only gets recognition for one month a year, even though we exist 365 days. And it’s hard to see major corporations profiting off of us when we know that money won’t make it back to the communities who need it the most. But insofar as corporations who put their money where their mouth is, Target ranks pretty high, so I don’t feel as bad about throwing them my extra dollars. They already get most of my money anyway.
I also really love that I can walk into a Target store and see a giant display full of rainbows and flags right next to where people are buying laundry detergent. It’s fun to know that some bigot is absolutely losing their shit over it while they buy said detergent. And honestly? The stuff is cute! I may just be a Target stan, but I love all of their Pride themed merch. (I even have the coveted Pride holiday nutcracker!) Here are the items from this year’s Pride merch drop that I’m salivating over.
Unfortunately, the “live, laugh, lesbian” tee is sold out online, so I will be stalking all of the stores in my area to find it.
Note: all shirts are available in a gender neutral cut up to size 4X
Pride Mice Cat Toy Set ($5)
Any good cat lesbian will absolutely buy these cute little mice for the kitties to chase. Bonus, there’s catnip inside, which will make them irresistible.
Jenifer Prince Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($16)
I’m obsessed with Jennifer Prince art AND girls, so clearly, this is the shirt for me.(Unfortunately the shirt is sold out in most sizes, but there’s also a tote bag. And you can buy this Jenifer Prince Pride print made exclusively for Autostraddle.)
Pride Adult Sling Pack ($18)
I got one of these last year and we brought it to every Pride event we attended. But they’re great even beyond! We use ours for going to the dog park, the playground, the zoo, wherever!
Kids’ ‘It Takes All Kinds’ Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($10)
This is definitely the tee shirt my kiddo is going to want this year.
Ash + Chess Beanie ($15)
What is a queer without a beanie? This one proclaims “queer all year” and yes, the irony is not lost on me. *adds to cart*
FLAVNT ‘Girls Gays Theys’ Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($16)
What’s not to love about this one? I’m here for them all!
Pride Portable Outdoor Chair ($26)
My partner and I are old, and we can’t sit on the ground anymore. Can’t wait to be the lesbian moms sitting on the gay chairs at the park.
FLAVNT ‘Queer Joy’ Cropped Tank Top ($13)
Queer joy is the whole point of celebrating Pride, isn’t it? This is a good reminder.
18″x30″ Pride Door Mat ($13)
My best friend sent this to me and I knew we needed it. It’s hilarious.
Ash + Chess ‘Queer’ Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($16)
I love the color of this shirt so much.
Trans Pride Power PHLUID Project Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($15)
Trans Pride and Trans Power today and everyday.
Love and Butter Pride Printed Oven Gloves and Mitten Set ($15)
For those of us who love to cook, these oven accessories are a must have. Nothing says I love you like something from the kitchen.
Pride Sparkle Shawl ($20)
I’m extra af, so this kind of stuff is right up my alley. You don’t need to just wear it for Pride either, this will look great on a Saturday night out! Dress it up, dress it down, you’ll always sparkle!
‘Not A Phase’ Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($15)
This is incredibly clever, and I LOVE this color
Pride Adult Shortalls ($30)
Shortalls were my Pride outfit of choice last year paired with a sports bra, so clearly I must buy these for this year.
Love is Love Pride Dog and Cat Tank Shirt from Boots & Barkley™ ($6)
Is the saying trite? Yes. Will I probably buy this for my dog? Also yes.
Is He You Know Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($16)
I’m sorry, I just love this shirt so much.
Trans Butterfly Socks ($8)
These socks will be cute with a pair of short shorts and sneakers. If you want to be festive, you can mix and match!
Cooler Bag ($21)
“Chosen Family is Love” is the truest sentiment. Carry this cooler bag to all of your summer fun with your chosen family.
Gayer PHLUID Project Cropped Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($15)
Yes, this is exactly the sentiment I need on a tee shirt.
My wife and I just picked up the doormat yesterday! It’s too good. We had to ask an employee about it though, since the pride items weren’t out on the floor yet.
Unsure if this question is ridiculous – I’m a cis queer woman, I really want to support trans people because the UK is only getting more transphobic – but is it ok to wear, for example, the trans pride trans power top if I’m not trans?
I would say don’t wear it.
I don’t see anything wrong with you wearing something to support trans people if you are not trans. Some people might disagree but
Another cis person weighing in: I think that shirt implies that you are trans (the word pride in particular), which is not great.
But there are plenty of shirts that express support that you could go for- I like “protect trans kids” tshirts myself!
Personally, I think a shirt with a message like “Trans Rights are Human Rights” or “Protect Trans Kids” would be a better choice.
As another cis queer woman, may I recommend tshirts that say “trans rights”, “trans rights are human rights”, “protect trans kids”, “gender-affirming health care saves lives”, ” trans equality now”, “protect trans futures” etc. rather than ones that say specifically “trans pride” or “trans power”? There are a lot of shirts available that say “I support trans people” in different ways.
This is perfectly timed to send to my british friend who doesn’t understand she’s missing out without target. My fave here is “not a phase”
Ok I happened to stumble across the “live laugh lesbian” shirt at my local store. As a fat woman, I tend to shy away from cropped fits but this one was cut so well and fits so perfectly with high waisted pants that I couldn’t pass it up (and to have merch that actually says “lesbian”? I gotta get it!).
Wow, these are all awesomely cute! We have Target in Australia but they’ve never have any Pride merch available. Our local version of Pride is more centered on the Mardi Gras season which is February/March but still…no Pride merch at Target AU ever…what gives? If it was there, I’d be buying a bunch of it, especially the trans stuff!
Important update the ‘live, laugh, lesbian’ shirt is back in stock online!