Controversial Float Draws Mixed Reviews at Boyne City Holiday Parade

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“I was ashamed and flabbergasted.”

Mixed feelings in Boyne City over this float at the end of their Fourth of July parade.

The float depicts transgender woman, Caitlyn Jenner in a spoof of the sitcom “Two and A Half Men” in front of a Wheaties box.

It rolled out just behind the parade in Boyne City on Saturday.

Float builder Marty Moody prides himself in his satirical floats every year and says he's just trying to be funny.

But even the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce believes this one crossed the line.

“My reaction is, ‘seriously?’ I mean, so we’re finally in a world where we can no longer have any fun anymore?” Moody said.

The float shows a man dressed as Caitlyn Jenner — casting her as the half man in the sitcom Two and A Half Men.

The Wheaties box also had slogans that could be derogatory towards transgender people.

“It wasn't directed at anybody. It was a float in a parade it was meant to be comedic,” Moody said.

But many don't think this depiction of a transgender woman was very funny.

Lynn Gillespie and her family were appalled when they saw it.

“Well the tenor of a July Fourth parade is America, independence, freedom, acceptance — I would think –and I didn't see that. I saw this totally away from anything that smacks of patriotism or encompassing peoples. That's what struck me is this has no place in this parade,” Gillespie said.

The chamber says they do not affiliate with the float as it was not actually registered in the parade.

The director says every year moody just doesn't register, and they don't make him.

Even though it may not be funny to some, moody says he wasn't trying to offend anyone.

“Lighten up America. Why does it have to be like that?” Moody said. “It's all about the political correctness stuff how come they get their view point but I don't get my view point? Why can't I say what I want to say?

But those who think this float is offensive hope the community won't accept this type of humor.

“I’m ashamed for my city and amazed that there's not more of an outcry,” Gillespie said. “Since I was 2-years-old I've had roots here an I've always felt like this was home … but not now."

After all of this backlash, Moody isn't sure if he will participate in the parade next year.