Some Twitter users are upset about the “Fixer Upper” couple’s new Target line
People are crazy about HGTV’s Fixer Upper and the couple behind the home design show, Chip and Joanna Gaines. The show is so popular that the couple is launching a Fixer Upper line for Target called “Hearth and Hand,” which should be a good thing. Who wouldn’t want cute home decor designed by one of TV’s most beloved couples? The Evangelical Christians who are boycotting the big-box retailer, that’s who.
Although many of us cheered when Target introduced a trans-friendly policy allowing customers and employees to use bathrooms and dressing rooms that best corresponded to their gender, there are groups out there that haven’t set foot in a store since the decision. And those people are also Fixer Upper fans, so they’re not happy that the Gaines couple, who are also Evangelical Christians, chose the big-box retailer to sell their new line.
Back in 2016, the anti-LGBTQ American Family Association called for a boycott of the store because of its bathroom policy, and people are serious about it. Target defended the move, saying, “We stand for equality and equity and strive to make our guests and team members feel accepted, respected, and welcomed in our stores and workplaces every day.”
People on Twitter are not happy with the couple.
I don't shop Target anymore. I wish you would had followed your Christian values instead of the almighty dollar. Lost a little respect
— gange (@czubeck) September 14, 2017
We don't shop there because of there anti- Christian ways. Also at Target your a target! Don't allow second Amendment rights. Love you guys
— Pattrick Yockey (@pattrickyockey) September 12, 2017
Everyone has a right to spend their money at places that align with their values…it’s just hard to swallow the idea that so many people are so hateful. Can you imagine giving up Target for anything, let alone the fact that it has an inclusive bathroom policy?
Chip and I filmed this video to share more about why we created the Magnolia Home collections, and a little behind the design with the furniture, rugs, paint and wallpaper. These collections are curated to make designing your own space a little simpler for you - mix and match anything to fit your style. The link to the full video here: https://magno.li/magnoliahome! #MagnoliaHome
Posted by Joanna Gaines on Wednesday, June 7, 2017
One commenter wrote on Facebook, “Kind of surprised about a partnership with Target considering how anti-Biblical values the Target brand is.”
Chip and Joanna have not responded publicly to the backlash from some of their fans, but they did open up about gay rights last year when a story went around saying that the couple attended a church that is anti-LGBTQ.
People getting upset with Fixer Upper for partnering with Target because of transgender bathrooms...Welp...MORE PRODUCT FOR ME!
— Katrina M Johnson (@Katrina2Johnson) September 15, 2017
Chip addressed the situation on the couple’s blog, writing,
“Joanna and I have personal convictions. One of them is this: We care about you for the simple fact that you are a person, our neighbor on planet Earth. It’s not about what color your skin is, how much money you have in the bank, your political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, or faith.”
Hopefully the couple addresses their fans who refuse to shop at Target, too.
A post shared by Chip Gaines (@chippergaines) on Sep 12, 2017 at 1:32pm PDT
With their reach and platform, it would do a lot of good for some Fixer Upper fans to hear straight from Chip an Joanna that there’s nothing sinful about letting people use a bathroom they feel safe in.
