Over 20,000 petitioners have expressed their outrage over the inclusion of two non-binary performers in the upcoming Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The conservative anti-LGBTQ+ group One Million Moms initiated the online campaign, calling for a boycott of the high-profile event. The petition, which has gained over 28,000 signatures, accuses Macy's of hosting a "non-binary and transgender extravaganza" during the parade on November 23.

The petition specifically targets two non-binary actors who may potentially appear in musical numbers during the parade. Justin David Sullivan, known for their performance as May in the play "& Juliet," and Alex Newell, a Tony-award-winning actor who stars as Lulu in "Shucked," were singled out by the transphobic campaign. However, it is yet to be confirmed if they will be performing.

One Million Moms, an organization created by the conservative and Christian fundamentalist group The American Family Association, aims to censor what they perceive as “filth” being presented to children by various segments of society, especially the entertainment media. In their latest campaign, they criticized Macy's for not prioritizing the best interests of children, claiming that the parade will expose millions of viewers at home to the "liberal LGBTQ agenda."

In addition to targeting this year's parade, the petition refers to past events where One Million Moms alleges that Macy's filled the day with "liberal nonsense." Specifically, they mentioned transgender pop singer Kim Petras's performance in 2021. The anti-LGBTQ+ campaign has faced strong backlash for its attempt to censor non-binary talent.

LGBTQ Nation, a media group promoting LGBTQ+ rights and representation, described the petition as "alarmist," while Them, another LGBTQ+ platform, criticized One Million Moms' continuous reference to children when discussing the LGBTQ+ community. They argued that this perpetuates the far-right myth that trans people “groom” and prey on children.

Interestingly, while the conservative group attempted to disparage the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as a "non-binary and transgender extravaganza," some people on social media found the description appealing. Users on X (formerly Twitter) jokingly commented that the campaign inadvertently made the event sound more exciting. This response highlights the differing perspectives on LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance.

One Million Moms has a history of campaigning against LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment and the media. They have previously criticized companies such as Skittles for their packaging and the inclusion of a transgender actor in the Barbie movie. However, the backlash against their petition suggests a growing acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in society.

Despite the controversy, Macy's is moving forward with its plans to include non-binary performers in the parade. Two non-binary individuals are expected to participate in the nationally televised event, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of the entertainment industry.

Kristen Waggoner, president of the Alliance Defending Freedom, appeared on FOX & Friends to condemn Macy's decision. She claimed that including a non-binary transgender character in the parade is part of an ideological war being waged on families. While Waggoner believes that parents are standing up against such displays, outlets like Pink News argue that the petition is sensationalist and that One Million Moms and the American Family Association are anti-LGBTQ+ organizations.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a long-standing holiday tradition, will be broadcast by NBC and has been a symbol of the holiday season for millions of Americans since the 1920s. Macy's has not responded to FOX News' request for comment on the petition.