LGBTQ+ activists have criticized Target Corporation for its perceived lack of support for the community, while "Bridgerton" author Julia Quinn has defended a gender swap in the show's third season that has drawn some backlash from fans.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have expressed outrage over Target Corporation's perceived lack of support for the LGBTQ+ community. The criticism stems from Target's recent decision to discontinue sales of a children's book featuring a transgender child. According to advocates, Target's action sends a harmful message to transgender youth and their families.
"Target's decision is a blatant act of discrimination against transgender children and their families," said Sarah McBride, the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. "It's clear that Target has no 'cojones' when it comes to standing up for the LGBTQ+ community."
Bridgerton Author Defends Gender Swap, LGBTQ+ Advocates Criticize Target
In response to the criticism, Target released a statement saying that the decision to discontinue sales of the book was based on its "commitment to inclusivity." However, LGBTQ+ advocates argue that Target's actions do not align with its stated values.
"Target claims to be committed to inclusivity, but its actions tell a different story," said Shannon Minter, the legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "By discontinuing sales of a book that simply acknowledges the existence of transgender children, Target is sending a harmful message that transgender youth are not welcome or respected."
Bridgerton Author Defends Gender Swap, LGBTQ+ Advocates Criticize Target
LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on Target to reverse its decision and to take concrete steps to demonstrate its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Julia Quinn, the author of the "Bridgerton" series, has defended a gender swap in the show's third season that has drawn some backlash from fans. In the third season, the character of Michael Sterling has been changed to Michaela Sterling, a lesbian character.
Bridgerton Author Defends Gender Swap, LGBTQ+ Advocates Criticize Target
Some fans have expressed disappointment that the gender swap alters a major plotline from the books, in which Michael and Francesca Bridgerton have a child together. However, Quinn has defended the change, saying that it is consistent with the spirit of the books and that she wanted to ensure that Francesca's love story would still be played out on screen.
"I am deeply committed to the Bridgerton world becoming more diverse and inclusive as the stories move from book to screen," Quinn said in an Instagram post. "Switching the gender of a major character is a huge change, but I believe it is the right change for the show."
Bridgerton Author Defends Gender Swap, LGBTQ+ Advocates Criticize Target
Quinn also emphasized that she has always been committed to representing diverse characters and perspectives in her work. "I am proud of the fact that 'Bridgerton' is a show that celebrates diversity and inclusion," she said. "I hope that this change will help to make the show even more welcoming and inclusive for all viewers."
The gender swap in "Bridgerton" is part of a larger trend toward greater LGBTQ+ representation on television and film. As LGBTQ+ characters become more visible in popular culture, they are helping to break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive society.
