Australian fashion label Proud Poppy Clothing is pushing forward with its Pride Night event at Robina Town Centre despite a backlash on social media.
The Pride Night event is intended to be a safe space for trans and gender-diverse people.
According to brand director Tara McKeon, the womenswear label has witnessed a growth in trans customers reaching out to ask about quieter times at the store for when they can come in and try on clothes.
“I wanted to host a night that would allow not just them but anyone who struggles in the mainstream shopping environment to be able to experience our products and test the vibe for themselves,” McKeon said.
Since promoting the event across its social channels, the brand has been hit with negative backlash. McKeon said her team was initially deleting comments, but then she decided to take a stand.
“I have personally replied [to comments], which has resulted in some people blocking us. The negative feedback comes in the way of them no longer supporting us.”
In one instance on Instagram, one social media user commented that they are “so sick and tired of businesses getting involved and pushing their political views.”
McKeon responded to this by saying it’s a value of hers to be inclusive to everybody and every body.
“We also have sensory nights planned for our neurodivergent community, curve nights for those size 22+ who are nervous about shopping instore as it is not something they are used to as a vast majority [of brands] do not stock their size, and mum friendly mornings with babysitters available.”
McKeon added that she was initially expecting some negative backlash to this, but said it’s important for brands to stand by their values and support their community.
“We pride ourselves on being a brand that is inclusive for all,” she said. “People seem to have forgotten what the term 'for all' means and are selective of who falls into that group.
“People before profits is something I wish I saw more often but someone has to be brave enough to start the conversation, despite the risk of negative backlash for any change to happen.”
The Proud Poppy Pride Night will be held on June 28 from 6pm to 9pm at its Robina Town Centre store. It is a ticketed event at $10 per ticket, with proceeds being donated to Pride Foundation Australia.
The womenswear label operates two other stores, one in Toowoomba and another in Doreen, Victoria.