Target was already facing calls for a boycott over “tuck-friendly” bathing suits and chest binders for “transgender” children, and now it has been revealed that they are selling clothing items from a creepy satanic transgender designer that promotes drugs and violence.
The brand in question, Abprallen, was created by a biological woman who identifies as a man and uses the name “Erik Callen.”
Target is selling Abprallen “We Belong Everywhere” messenger bags, “Too Queer For Here” messenger bags, and “Cure Transphobia, Not Trans People” sweatshirts.
“All items were designed for all bodies, regardless of gender identity and presentation,” Target said in the description for the items. “We added design features to help make the fit customizable for you. Our hope is for all guests to find clothing that makes them feel comfortable and affirmed in their identity. We understand that fit is incredibly important and will continue to evolve and improve on fit needs for the LGBTQIA+ Community.”
Target credits the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network for helping place these items on their shelves.
“GLSEN leads the movement in creating affirming, accessible and anti-racist spaces for LGBTQIA+ students,” Target’s descriptions on the Abprallen items reads. “We are proud of 10+ years of collaboration with GLSEN and continue to support their mission.”
F Target 🎯 #BoycottTarget pic.twitter.com/AHtx8XFQxC
— Michelle Maxwell (@MichelleMaxwell) May 19, 2023
Callen wrote of the partnership, “Available in Target stores and on their website. When they approached me to design a range for Pride I realised that I had an opportunity to create something huge, I was given a chance to make work that would be seen by countless people and I wanted to ensure that any young people who saw Abprallen in Target would know that who they are is beautiful, purposeful, and worth expressing.”
The artist made it clear that her designs are aimed at youth.
“I imagined what it would be like for a younger version of myself to see something more specific, more tailor made than a lacklustre rainbow flag. I wanted to create a range that would embrace younger me and tell him that who he is is more than OK, that being trans is special and wonderful and that the closet is not made for him to thrive in.”
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Callen also boasted about upsetting people with the designs.
“These have already got the transphobes infuriated with me and I feel like quite the celebrity to think that they believe this is all some big conspiracy and I have any power to brainwash anyone when I’m just some guy drawing pictures!” Callen wrote.
The artist was correct.
“Trans witches for abortion”“Join our gay cult”Definitely NOT trying to use designs and art to groom, manipulate and control kids👀 pic.twitter.com/11foB4QMrw
— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 21, 2023
As if the items stocked by Target weren’t odd enough, looking at the Abprallen Instagram page shocked and disgusted many conservatives who had begun looking into the company’s partnership with the retail giant.
Abprallen sells a pin with a weapon that says, “We Bash Back.” A guillotine design says “Homophobic headrest.”
“We BASH Back”👀That’s creepy. pic.twitter.com/ZQA1vBOi64
— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 21, 2023
In the description for an item that says “Burn down the cis-tem” over a lit lighter, Callen wrote, “We don’t need to restructure it, we need to burn it down and start up again in a system that doesn’t police gender or expression – a world that allows exploration, changing our minds, dressing how we want to, taking up the space we need, being treated as we deserve. We need to burn down the cis-tem and create a world where trans people don’t get to just live, but get to absolutely thrive.”
“Being called a demon is something I can cope with, and the idea of a trans demon is pretty damn cool, most of my work focusses on gothic or dark and satanic imagery juxtaposed with bright colours and LGBT+ positive messages.”
Why @Target? Why on earth did you think hiring this… pic.twitter.com/CCey1lWIe3
— Scarlett Johnson (@scarlett4kids) May 21, 2023
The Blaze notes that other designs include “Join My Gay Cult,” “Transitioning Saves lives,” “Heteronormativity is a Plague,” “Binding Doesn’t Make You Less of a Man,” and “Trans Witches for Abortion.”
One shirt reads “Satan respects pronouns.”
Most items are modeled by Callen who does not appear to own any pants.
Other designs promote the use of Poppers, a drug often used during gay sex.