Aug. 26--Halloween costume stores have come under fire for selling Caitlyn Jenner costumes inspired by her famous Vanity Fair cover.
More than 7,500 people have signed a Change.org petition demanding that New Jersey-based chain Spirit Halloween halt plans to sell the costume because it is "transphobic" and "utterly insensitive and deplorable."
But Spirit refuses to back down and says the $49.99 costume -- consisting of a white corset, shorts and wig -- honors Jenner for being a "superhero."
"We create a wide range of costumes that are often based on celebrities, public figures, heroes and superheroes," Lisa Barr, Spirit's director of marketing, said in an email. "Caitlyn Jenner is all of the above, and our exclusive Caitlyn-inspired costume reflects just that."
Although Spirit says it won't start selling the costume at its stores or its website until next month, online retailers anytimecostumes.com and wholesalehalloweencostumes.com are selling a similar product for $74.99 and $49.90, respectively.
The "unisex costume can be worn by both men and women but either way it's guaranteed to start a conversation," according to Wholesale Halloween Costumes, which advertises the costume with a picture of a hairy male model.
An Anytime Costumes marketing blurb added, "You probably won't break any Twitter records when you wear this outfit like Caitlyn did when she first made her account, but you'll be sure to have the best time because you dare to be who you want to be!"
On Change.org, the activist behind the petition, Addison Rose Vincent, told Spirit and the other retailers, "Caitlyn Jenner is a hero and celebrated in modern day culture, but that doesn't excuse the exploitation and transphobia you'll be committing this Halloween.
"Do not turn Caitlyn Jenner into a costume. Your profit will only lead to greater transphobia and marginalization of an already at-risk community."
kjanssen@tribpub.com
