Target has been one of the leading stores in regards to convenience and affordable for many years. Thousands of faithful customers have walked through the bright red doors to pick up anything and everything from clothing to groceries, electronics to furniture. But the popular one-stop retailer has put a ‘target’ on itself in more ways than one.

Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel has become the eye of a public relations storm after donating $150,000 to Minnesota GOP gubernatorial hopeful, Rep. Tom Emmer last Tuesday the 27th. Emmer, according to the Associated Press, is known as a “fiery conservative” who opposes same-sex marriages, promotes Arizona’s highly-strict immigration law (SB 1070), once advocated chemical castration for sex offenders and wants to lower taxes.

Steinhafel donated this large sum to MN Forward, a group staffed by former insiders from outgoing Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s administration. MN Forward is responsible for funding and running television ads in support of Emmer.

This comes much to the disappointment and anger of the GLBT community where in Minnesota, Target is known for donating to public school programs, food pantries and the annual Twin Cities Gay Pride Festival. After concern from employees arose following the announcement of the donation, Chief Executive Officer Steinhafel had this to say in an email:

“We rarely endorse all advocated positions of the organizations or candidates we support, and we do not have a political or social agenda,” …As you know, Target has a history of supporting organizations and candidates, on both sides of the aisle, who seek to advance policies aligned with our business objectives, such as job creation and economic growth...Let me be very clear, Target’s support of the GLBT community is unwavering, and inclusiveness remains a core value of our company.”

Many groups including the Human Rights Campaign have spoken out about Target’s decision to support an anti-gay legislator. Facebook groups have also started gaining momentum in regards to a boycott.

One person in particular has gained some small internet fame over her personal protest of Target. Randi Reitan, a mother with a gay son recorded her trip to Target to buy items for her son and grandchildren only to return them seconds after leaving the store. She tells the manager her reason behind returning the items, stating that her son and her grandchildren wouldn’t want items purchased from a store that promotes hate.

Some GLBT community members in San Diego expressed their concern over Target CEO Steinhafel’s decision to endorse an anti-gay candidate and their feelings on shopping at their once “go-to” store.

One Mission Valley Target shopper whom identifies as GLBT (and wished to remain anonymous) stated, “It sucks that this company would do that. I’ll be honest, I’ll most likely still shop here but I don’t think any company should side with one political agenda. It creates anger and sides, and that’s what’s going to happen if it hasn’t already.”

The anger and betrayal caused by Target corp. has sparked boycotts and a potentially strained relationship among its GLBT customers and employees. Time and political pressure will tell just how far the boycott will go, as well as incite a response or amends to the community by CEO Gregg Steinhafel.