Target's Inclusive Bathroom Policy Is Just One More Reason To Hand Them All Your Money

Target announced an inclusive policy protecting the rights of transgender customers

Target is famous among moms for being the best place in the entire world, and today the retailer gave us yet another reason to fall in love them. They took a stand on inclusivity and announced that all Target staff members and customers will be permitted to use the restroom or fitting room that corresponds with their gender identity.

In a statement on their website, Target declared its commitment to “equality and equity,” writing, “Inclusivity is a core belief at Target. It’s something we celebrate… We believe that everyone—every team member, every guest, and every community—deserves to be protected from discrimination, and treated equally.”

The announcement comes as several states have proposals in the works to restrict transgender people from using the facilities of their choosing. The most controversial of these proposals is a North Carolina bill signed into law in March that requires transgender people to use the bathroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificates. As Yahoo reports, several businesses and public figures, including Bruce Springsteen, have cancelled planned events in the state as a form of protest.

While Target never had strict rules in place for who was allowed to use which bathroom, representatives wanted to make it clear that they stand against discrimination in all forms. “Given the specific questions legislative proposals raise about how we manage our fitting rooms and restrooms, we felt it was important to state our position,” the statement says. “Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And you’ll always be accepted, respected and welcomed at Target.”

Unfortunately, not everyone is as thrilled with Target’s inclusive policies as we are. Hundreds of people have flocked to the official Target Facebook page to express their outrage and leave ridiculous comments. Here is just a snippet of the hate Target is getting:

“I sure hope you see a decrease in sales. You have at least lost me as a customer. Way to pander to the .3 percent of the population. Can’t wait for you to be sued as a result of an unintended consequence.”

“I’ve spent my last dollar at Target. My wife and children aren’t safe using the restrooms there. Dumb move, Target.”

“As much as I love your store, this young mom will have to stop supporting you. I don’t need another thing to stress and worry about and wondering who I might find in the women’s bathroom when I take my little ones in is not something I plan to add to that list.”

“IF I EVER SEE A GUY WALK INTO THE BATHROOM AFTER MY DAUGHTER YOU MIGHT AS WELL CALL AN AMBULANCE CAUSE THATS THE ONLY WAY THAT PERVERTED FREAK WOULD BE LEAVING”

“When the privacy of 99.99% of the women is sacrificed for the convenience of the confused, it’s time to find another place to shop.”

Obviously these comments don’t represent how the majority of us feel, but it’s still disheartening to see so many expressing senseless fear and outright hatred, and it only highlights why businesses must go out of their way to protect their transgender customers. The transgender community just wants what we all want: to be accepted for who they are and to be able to function in public without fear of harassment, discrimination, or worse. The idea that someone poses a threat based solely on their gender or sexuality is absurd, and frankly, it’s horrifying to see so many people suggesting otherwise.

Target’s policy has always been one of inclusivity, whether it’s addressing the need for gender neutral toys or supporting the rights of breastfeeding moms. This is one more step in the right direction, and like many other parents, I’m happy to bring my kids into an inclusive environment and to continue spending money at a place that stands for the equal treatment of all people.

Good job, Target.