The North Face has no plans to bow to the right-wing boycott pressure it is facing in the wake of an LGBTQ+ campaign.
After the outdoors brand released its new Pride month collection this week, and included a video featuring drag queen Pattie Gonia, some consumers complained on social media.
“Nature lets you be who you are, so, for the second year in a row, The North Face is hosting Summer of Pride together with Pattie Gonia (they/she) to celebrate you and all the beautiful ways you get outside,” the ad reads.
“Hiii it’s me Pattie Gonia, a real-life homosexual, and I’m here with The North Face to help you come out… in nature with us,” Gonia says.
While the ad simply encourages all people to get out in nature more, some conservatives claimed the collection and commercial are persecuting them and “grooming” their children.
But The North Face responded to the complaints with a message of inclusivity.
“The North Face has always believed the outdoors should be a welcoming, equitable and safe place for all,” the brand said in a statement, noting that the Summer of Pride series is now in its second year and has helped “individuals from all backgrounds” experience the outdoors. “Creating community and belonging in the outdoors is a core part of our values and is needed now more than ever. We stand with those who support our vision for a more inclusive outdoor industry.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Target said it would remove some of its LGBTQ+ products after complaints, pointing to “volatile circumstances” and employee safety. The backtracking move prompted criticism from LGTBQ+ supporters such as California Gov. Gavin Newsom.