This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is facing controversy as a conservative group is calling for a boycott over the event's inclusion of LGBTQ+ performers. Earlier this month, the conservative group One Million Moms launched a petition opposing the parade's decision to feature two non-binary performers. This situation highlights ongoing cultural debates around inclusivity and representation in popular events.
Among those slated to perform is Justin David Sullivan, who identifies as non-binary and will take part in the & Juliet parade performance. Sullivan plays the role of "May," a non-binary friend of Juliet in the musical. Additionally, Alex Newell, a biological male who also identifies as non-binary, won a Tony Award this year for his role in Shucked, where he portrays the female character of Lulu. The petition from One Million Moms condemns Macy’s for sponsoring what they call inappropriate entertainment.
The petition has garnered over 39,000 signatures as conservatives continue to criticize the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream events. This controversy reflects broader societal challenges regarding gender identity and expression, especially as debates rage over transgender participation in sports and medical care for minors. The backlash against companies that support LGBTQ+ rights has also been evident this year, notably with Bud Light facing a significant boycott for partnering with transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney.
A spokesperson for the Macy's parade stated to The New York Times that they plan to proceed with the event despite the boycott petition. They refrained from commenting on the One Million Moms petition. In response to the ongoing discussion, New York discrimination attorney Andrew Lieb noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled against discrimination based on gender identity, suggesting that Macy's should affirm their commitment to inclusivity as a leading employer in the country.
He expressed empathy towards those behind the boycott, reflecting on the sadness of being offended by the existence of others. This sentiment invites deeper conversations about empathy and understanding within the context of personal identity and societal norms.
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