Target takes more heat over LGBT book aimed at kids

The retailer Target is taking more criticism, this time over a book promoting the LGBT lifestyle to young children. 

The book, Bye Bye Binary, published by HarperFestival is aimed at 4-8 year-olds. It is one of 189 such books being marketed to kids by the Minnesota retailer.    

“A joyful baby refuses to conform to the gender binary and instead chooses toys, colors, and clothes that make them happy,” says the publisher’s synopsis. “This tongue-in-cheek board book is a perfect tool to encourage children to love what they love and is also a great baby shower gift for all soon-to-be-parents.” 

Critics, however, say the book pushes transsexual ideology, with adult concepts that are not age appropriate.  

“Target hasn’t changed anything. They are still promoting books for KIDS that include LGBTIA+ propoganda [sic] like ‘Bye Bye Binary,'” writes Charlie Kirk on Twitter.  “Keep the pressure on. They hate you and your kids — never buy another product at Target unless and until they stop.”  

Reviewers of the book at Target’s website have agreed that the book, at the very least, is problematic.  

“Author doesn’t have children,”’ said one of 231 reviews on the Target website. ”Book is written for adult who believe in non-conforming. Definitely not age appropriate nor education in any sense.”  

The book has been rated on average only two stars out of a possible five stars, even as most of the reviews came before the recent controversy Target faces because of its connections to a LGBT clothing designer who allegedly worships the devil. Target is facing a boycott over the issue.

The latest revelation has sparked more backlash against Target’s use of its LGBT collection to market to children.

Other LGBT books marketed by Target to juveniles are: The Pronoun Book, for 0-3 year-olds, by Clarion Books, described as a “vibrant board book’s joyful celebration of people and their pronouns”; Julian is a Mermaid, about a boy who dreams of dressing up as a woman, which the publisher, Candlewick Press, calls a “jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality”; and Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle, for 3-7 year-olds, which depicts a child being raised by “two moms who nurture their child through challenges,” according to Publishers Weekly. 

Even those who are sympathetic to the LGBT movement admitted Bye Bye Binary is really adult content packaged for kids.

“[A]s a PhD prepared individual who specializes in pediatric development this book does not do a great job at being as gender inclusive as it’s trying to be and the main character is an infant who is not gender neutral…. Seems as though this book was written by an adult for like minded adults more than it is for a child who is trying to learn who they are,” said a reviewer at Target, who began the review saying, “I wanted to love it.”