Target is popular for many families across the country as it offers trendy items from clothing to toys to houseware collections, and although it is no secret that the “woke” company boasts LGBTQ pride, it may come as a surprise that they have taken their agenda a step further. Partnering with Satanist designer Abprallen for their Pride collection, Target is featuring his products that include depictions of satanic symbols. With sayings including “Satan loves you” and “Satan respects pronouns,” Abprallen’s agenda is clear and showcasing his colorful work in stores is likely to grab the attention of shoppers.
Brietbart reports that “Abprallen’s owner, a self-identified ‘gay, trans man’ known as ‘Erik,’ said that the ‘Satan respects pronouns’ pin, which features an image of the demon Baphomet, is one of ‘my favourite and most popular designs, and the one that gave Abprallen its proper footing and direction.’” Target is featuring his colorful sweatshirt with the message “Cure transphobia, not trans people” written over a serpent wrapped around a staff in their Pride collection.
Abprallen has argued that Satanists do not actually believe in Satan, but see him as a “symbol of passion, pride, and liberty.” For Erik, Satan represents “hope, compassion, equality, and love.” On his Instagram page, Erik writes “Satan loves you and respects who you are; you’re important and valuable in this world and you deserve to treat yourself with love and respect,” adding “LGBT+ people are so often referred to as being a product of Satan or going against God’s will, so fine. We’ll hang with Satan instead.”
While Target is known for their outspoken support of the LGBTQ community, partnering with a boastful Satanist brings their “wokeism” to a new level, and one that is severely frightening. Featuring satanic symbols on colorful clothing lines and accessories, children may naturally gravitate towards the items. If shoppers know the meaning behind such symbols, they may decline to buy the merchandise, but those who shop the Pride collection may find themselves wearing the symbols of something with a different meaning.