Local Klan Cancel Pride March Amid Confusion

By Arnold Santos  |  Senior Correspondant, Certified Gay

Delmar, DE — The Delmarva chapter of the Ku Klux Klan abruptly canceled its annual Pride March this weekend after members arrived at the organization's meeting site and discovered that several participants had interpreted the event's theme very differently than intended.

According to chapter officials, preparations had been proceeding normally until longtime member Earl Thompson and his roommate of 37 years, Billy Joe Parker, volunteered to handle this year's uniforms and event planning.

"Usually Tommy's wife takes care of all that," explained chapter spokesman Randy Huggins. "But Earl and Billy Joe insisted they wanted to contribute."

Witnesses say members began arriving Saturday morning expecting a traditional White Pride rally but were instead greeted by rainbow-colored robes, coordinated accessories, and what one attendee described as "an unexpectedly welcoming atmosphere."

Several members reportedly became suspicious when they were handed matching uniforms and informed there would be a brief rehearsal before the march.

"The uniforms were very well made," admitted one frustrated Klansman. "That's not really the issue."

Tensions escalated further when organizers unveiled a playlist featuring songs celebrating love, acceptance, and self-expression.

"We're trying to preserve traditional values here," complained another attendee. "I don't know why there are sequins on everything."

The event was officially canceled after a heated dispute broke out regarding whether the song "Y.M.C.A." should be considered an appropriate marching anthem.

Sources say Earl and Billy Joe appeared genuinely confused by the backlash.

"We thought everyone wanted to celebrate pride," Earl reportedly said. "That's what the flyer said."

Despite the setback, chapter leadership insists the organization remains committed to its mission, though members privately acknowledge the group has struggled with basic planning in recent years.

The incident ranks as only the second most embarrassing event in chapter history, behind last year's Black History Month protest, which accidentally spent six weeks highlighting the accomplishments of prominent Black Americans before organizers realized they had misunderstood the assignment.

As of press time, Earl and Billy Joe were already discussing plans for next year's event, which witnesses say included the phrase "bigger, brighter, and even more inclusive."

Several members immediately left the meeting.