Semmes, Alabama was surprised to see a troupe of drag queens, the Prancing Elite, in santa suits marching in their Christmas parade.
According to Pink News the captain of the group, Kentrell Collins, had no reason to think that the group was unwelcome at the event.
In his interview with Fox News 10, Collins said , "I said we're all over 21 and we're guys. She was so excited. She was like I didn't know they had any groups like that in Mobile.”
However, the group received negative feedback from those who attended the parade. A few mothers were outraged, saying that if they knew something like that was going to be included int he parade that they wouldn’t have brought their children.
Claudia Davis was at the parade with her young daughter. "I was outraged and appalled. I never expect anything like this at the Semmes Christmas parade," Davis said.
Collins did apologize, saying that he was sorry if they offended anyone that did not know who they were before the parade. He said that they only came to dance and have fun, and they were, in fact, invited.
The Huffington Post compared the controversy in Alabama to that of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade where drag queens also marched.
According to Davis the organizers for this year’s parade, The Friends of Semmes, have been removed and the city council will be organizing it next year.