Taylor Baker

In the midst of Pride month, a disturbing incident marred the inclusive spirit as fliers containing derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community were discovered on multiple cars outside a Target store.

Pride month, celebrated annually in June, serves as a platform for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to advocate for the rights and equality of LGBTQ+ individuals. The month is marked by parades, events, and celebrations that foster visibility, acceptance, and solidarity within the community.

However, Target stores across the country have faced backlash after displaying Pride merchandise in their stores. The controversy surrounding the merchandise has fueled the incident outside the Redding store.

According to Ashley Rawson, a person who received one of the fliers, they spent a brief period of time in the Target store before discovering the offensive flyer on their car’s windshield upon returning. Rawson reportedly observed that at least two rows of cars in the vicinity had also been targeted with the same flyer attached to their windshields.

KRCR interviewed an anonymous Target employee who claimed they had received verbal backlash after the display of Pride merchandise.

Ashley, who identifies as a genderfluid lesbian, expressed their disappointment upon seeing the hateful message.

“It was just really disappointing and hateful because I know there’s a big community of LGBT people [in Redding], just like there is anywhere else.” 

However, despite her disappointment, she shared their optimistic perspective regarding the Redding LGBTQ+ community. 

“Love is stronger than hate, and I think [the LGBT community] knows how to stick together and support one another.” She continues, “We know who we are and who we love, and none of that is hurting anyone.”