Target Launches Chest Binders and ‘Packing Underwear’ for LGBTQIA+ Youth – Opinion

For a long time in the world, women’s undergarments served to cinch and boost in radically constrictive ways. We eventually (mostly), got past this.

But now we’re back. Whereas underwear has contemporarily been sold based on claims of comfort, the West’s gender identity revolution brings throwback throbbing — and not just for birthing people.

Right on time for Pride Month (June), Target will be hawking harnesses to hide breasts and another “b” word I probably shouldn’t spell out.

What about sweater dogs and scrumums? You’re being kenneled.

What about penises or mammaries? You’ll soon be memories.

As reported by Bustle, America’s tenth largest retailer is releasing products by “two queer-owned, female-founded brands” that bind upper-body bumps and pack pelvic protrusions:

The TomboyX collab features undergarments like compression tops — a comfortable alternative to chest binders — as well as packing underwear, bras, and boyshorts in size S-4X. Humankind’s line, on the other hand, includes various swimsuit styles such as swim trunks, tops, and unisuits. This accessible drop is great for shopping everyday clothes, as binders or gender-affirming swimsuits can be difficult to find.

America will soon fall due to a flood of support from pro-LGBT businesses all over the country. It should be done in a professional manner.

It’s only weeks until June, so corporate windows will be adorned with Pride month colors. But, as we know, creating quality Pride merch isn’t simply slapping a technicolor flag on a $10 T-shirt and calling it a day. Queer talent needs to be utilized behind-the scenes. Funds must be donated for LGBTQ+ charities. Companies that embrace inclusion and accept all people must do so year round.

Target’s on target:

Target’s latest collaborations hit the mark. Target, well-known for its fashion collabs that sell quickly, launched two new collaborations in advance of Pride Month, which included gender-affirming, accessible products for everyone.

Bustle interviews Mila Myles, “a Black, queer nonbinary writer and stand-up comedian who modeled in the TomboyX collaboration photos with partner Yasmin Almo.”

It turns out that the photoshoot for fashion was about emotions.

“It was the first time that I was welcomed and empowered to make other people feel empowered,” Mila said. And on set, “no one was a prop. We were all [there for] an opportunity to feel seen and for someone else to feel seen,” in turn. Mila hopes this collab will “redefine ‘commercial beauty,’ by hiring different-looking ‘commercial models.’”

On Twitter, Target’s merchandising move has procured praise.

Twitter Mx. Kelsey Danger, Team Rocket:

“Holy [cow]Target has binders for sale. Binders can be purchased at Target. [dadgum]Get yours now. That’s incredible. Like, every store does Pride merch, but that’s actually making a difference for queer youth. I love it.”

Tweet poster Raviv the Night heralded, “[I]The fact that binders are available in physical big-box stores is a significant step forward. The binders can be accessed by teenagers privately, without the need to worry about interception. Should’ve happened ages ago.”

Even so, Raviv was sure to make clear, “F— rainbow capitalism.”

If Target wants to signal support during all non-heteronormative-related celebrations, it’ll have to do more than sell bosom busters and crotch crushers for a month.

A list of “LGBTQIA+ Holidays & Remembrances,” per Seattle Pride:

January

• National Mentoring Month
• 16th – 22nd: No Name-Calling Week
• 27th International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Februar

• 20th – 26th: Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week

March

• Bisexual Health Awareness month
• 1st: Zero Discrimination Day
• 31st: International Transgender Day Of Visibility

April

• International Day of Asexuality
• Day of Silence – 8th
• 26th – Mai 2nd: International Lesbian Visibility Week

May

• 17th International Day Against Homophobia Biphobia and Transphobia
• 19th: Agender Pride Day
• 22nd: Harvey Milk Day
• 24th: Pansexual & Panromantic Visibility Day

June

• Pride Month
• 5th: HIV Long-Term Survivor’s Awareness Day
• 12.
• 28th Stonewall Riots Anniversary

July

• 6th: Day of Omnisexual Visibility
• 11.-17.11. Non-Binary Awareness Week
• 14th International Non-Binary Day
• International Drag Day, 16th

August

September

• 16th – 22nd: Bisexual Awareness Week
• 23rd Bisexual Visibility Day

October

• LGBT History Month USA and Canada
• 11th National Coming Out Day
• 19th: International Pronoun Day
• 21st Spirit Day
• 24th Annual Asexual Awareness Week
• 26th Intersex Awareness Day

November

• Trans Awareness Month
• 6th: Transgender Parent Day
• 8th Intersex Day of Solidarity
• 13th – 19th: Trans Awareness Week
• 20th: Transgender Day Of Remembrance

December

• 1. World AIDS Day
• 8th Pansexual Pride Day
• 10. Human Rights Day

To be clear, Target’s offering more than just the items from TomboyX and Humankind:

In addition to these two Target-exclusive lines, the big-box retailer has already launched their annual Pride collection with products designed by creators like Jermel “Blu” Moody, founder of Black Boy Be, Olly Gibbs of Curlworks, and the Phluid Project. Target now has all of the pride line, as well as additional TomboyX- and Humankind pieces that will drop in May or early June.

Culture is evolving. And as society’s pendulum swings, other pendulums must be managed. If modernity casts all new light on Americans’ unmentionables, it stands to reason that underwear will follow suit.

In the most advanced country on the planet, freedom of choice in underwear should be practically a constitutional right.

For many this June who wish to deemphasize their assets — whether for identity purposes or just old-fashioned modesty — Target, it seems, will be hitting the bullseye.

-ALEX

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