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Target Pride Merch, Skinny Jeans, and a Bad Brand Deal on The Viral List

We round up the most viral moments of the week…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

May 26 2023
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Despite positive viral buzz, some Target pride merch has caused an influx of hate, and not everyone is happy with how the brand responded
An influencer and skin care brand Bioré had to apologize for a brand deal viewers found insensitive
Gen Z men are over skinny jeans, and are sharing their style glow ups with new, trendier pant styles

Target’s viral pride merch also caused controversy YPulse has told you before that young consumers have a critical eye when it comes to brand campaigns for Pride month: they can see right through a money grab from companies who don’t truly give support to the LGBTQ+ community. But year after year, Target has been earning the approval of young queer people thanks to their Pride collections, which are adorned with more than just rainbows and the slogan “Love is Love.” This year, their premiere item is a crop top which says, “Live Laugh Lesbian,” with even the font playing on the Millennial mom-chic “Live Laugh Love” décor. Influencer Matt Bernstein said while some find it cringe, they say “It’s high camp. I want it on everything.” However, not all their shoppers were pleased with the collection: some found the collection inappropriate, claiming items like “tuck-friendly” swim bottoms were being marketed to children, though items of complaint were largely adult merchandise. On TikTok, the hashtag #BoyCottTarget has 31M views, with creators...