Target's Pride Collection Under Fire: A Social Media Influencer's Critique

Target's Pride Collection Sparks Debate: A Gay Man's Perspective June 7, 2025 Social media influencer CALVN (@calvngaming) has ignited a discussion about corporate allyship and Pride month with a critical review of Target's Pride collection. In a short video posted June 6th and viewed over 350 times, CALVN expresses disappointment, stating the collection feels "half-hearted." He points out the irony of Target's limited commitment while benefiting financially from the LGBTQ+ community's purchasing power. "I'm a gay man, and I made a video about a Pride collection, and I'm on you, a cis straight white man's for you page," CALVN said in the video. "I'd rather a corporation go all in than half-ass it." CALVN's video highlights a growing concern among LGBTQ+ consumers about the authenticity of corporate Pride initiatives. It raises questions about whether these initiatives are genuine expressions of allyship or merely marketing ploys to capitalize on consumer spending during Pride month. The video's success underscores the power of personal narratives in shaping public discourse on social and economic issues.