One Million Moms (OMM), a faction of the anti-LGBTQ+ American Family Association, has expressed moral outrage over the inclusion of LGBTQ+ content in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. They claim the parade will be a “non-binary and transgender extravaganza,” exposing viewers to the “liberal LGBTQ agenda.” OMM’s stance comes in response to the parade featuring performances from Broadway musicals ‘& Juliet’ and ‘Shucked,’ which showcase trans and nonbinary actors in major roles.
Featured Performers Spark Controversy
Nonbinary actors Justin David Sullivan and Alex Newell are at the center of OMM’s petition. Sullivan, who appears in ‘& Juliet,’ plays a nonbinary character, while Newell, a nonbinary Tony Award-winning actor, portrays a female character in ‘Shucked.’ OMM’s petition against Macy’s claims that such representation goes against conservative and Christian family values, urging people to boycott the parade and Macy’s stores.
The Petition’s Impact
OMM’s website reports that nearly 15,000 people have signed the petition, reflecting a segment of viewers who oppose the inclusion of LGBTQ+ identities in public events like the Macy’s parade. The petition emphasizes that families opposed to this representation will avoid watching the parade and patronizing Macy’s stores during the holiday season.
Macy’s Parade and LGBTQ+ Visibility
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a longstanding tradition since 1924, is known for its iconic balloons, performances, and floats. While commentators covering the parade don’t always highlight the LGBTQ+ identities of participants, the inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes and performers this year has sparked significant controversy from groups like OMM.
OMM’s History of Opposition to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
One Million Moms, despite its relatively small social media following, is known for its vehement opposition to any public acknowledgment of queer people. Their reaction to the Macy’s parade is consistent with their history of protesting against companies and events that recognize or support LGBTQ+ individuals and themes.
The protest by One Million Moms against Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ performers highlights the ongoing cultural and ideological divide over LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media and events. As society continues to grapple with issues of inclusivity and diversity, such reactions underscore the need for ongoing dialogue and understanding regarding LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces.