In an interview with Billboard magazine, Lady Gaga says an exclusive edition release of "Born This Way" with Target was made only with the promise the retailer would donate to and align itself with pro-LGBT causes.

Target made a $150,000 donation to a political action committee that supported GOP candidate Tom Emmer, who opposes gay marriage, when he ran for governor of Minnesota last year. Emmer lost.

But Lady Gaga's decision to release the exclusive edition of "Born This Way" — who some have deemed the next "gay anthem" —raised the eyebrows of many of her more social justice activist Little Monsters.

That $150,000 donation angered many LGBT people and boycotts were called for all across the country. Atlanta activists held a small boycott at the Target near Little Five Points.

Lady Gaga, knowing her most devoted fan base easily belongs to the gays, told Billboard she was nervous at first about partnering with Target. Until she talked to them.

"That discussion was one of the most intense conversations I've ever had in a business meeting," Gaga says of meeting with the "entire executive staff" of Target.

"Part of my deal with Target is that they have to start affiliating themselves with LGBT charity groups and begin to reform and make amends for the mistakes they've made in the past...our relationship is hinged upon their reform in the company to support the gay community and to redeem the mistakes they've made supporting those groups."

Of course, Target officials tell Billboard something a bit different.

Target's vice president of communications Dustee Jenkins told Billboard the about excitement surrounding working with Lady Gaga and said that the company has already promised some $500,000 to LGBT causes for 2011. And this decision was made before any discussion with Lady Gaga, Jenkins added, because after the controversy surrounding the Emmer donation the company chose to take a closer look at its policies.

So, will you walk proudly into a Target to purchase "Born This Way" when it is released in May? Maybe some cute towels, too, along with the scented candles that you can't get anywhere else and maybe a new set of dishes for the summer. Then there's that cute t-shirt on sale, and it would be nice to have some new cutlery to go with those dishes ... and socks, you can never have too many patterned socks.