A festive segment featuring a “gay elf” and a drag queen has sparked controversy in the Coachella Valley — but not everyone is letting the Christmas cheer be dimmed.
NBC Palm Springs recently aired its Holiday Lights special, a celebration of joyful seasonal decorations across the desert region. The programme featured Sandy Claus, a local drag queen, and her cheerful companion, a so-called “retired gay elf.” Together, the duo brought sparkle and sass to viewers as they toured some of the area’s most dazzling home displays.
While most viewers enjoyed the lighthearted fun, one particular critic — identified only as Roy — sent a complaint letter to the station, accusing it of going too far with LGBTQ+ representation.
“We’d Rather Have a Gay Elf Than a Grinch Like You”
NBC Palm Springs anchor Tim O’Brien didn’t hold back in responding to Roy’s letter — defending the spirit of the show and its hosts with festive ferocity.
“‘Holiday Lights’ is about joy and fun, and that’s also what Sandy Claus and her elf bring,” said O’Brien, before addressing the complaint directly. “Who could be mad at that? I’ll tell you who… It’s Roy.”
According to O’Brien, Roy took issue with the show’s LGBTQ+ inclusion, writing that he was “disappointed in this year’s program.” The viewer suggested that most people in the Coachella Valley “do not believe there are 32 genders” and “prefer not to have a flaming drag queen and a retired gay elf prancing around our holiday yards.”
Roy also criticised signs that appeared in participating yards, incorrectly claiming they were labelled “drag queen approved.”
“Where Does It Say ‘Drag Queen Approved’?”
O’Brien fact-checked Roy in real time, holding up the holiday yard sign shown in the broadcast and pointing out that it made no such claim.
“Let’s take a look at this sign… Now, does it say anywhere in here that it’s drag queen-approved? I’ll give you another second or so to take a look at this. No, I don’t see that word or phrase anywhere on that sign, right?”
He also responded to the “32 genders” jibe, saying, “Who said anything about 32 genders? If there are 32 genders, we welcome them all.”
“We are all about inclusivity — and that means everyone,” O’Brien added.
“Scott Has Not Spoken About His Sexuality — That’s Inappropriate, Like Your Letter”
Perhaps the most pointed rebuttal came when O’Brien defended the holiday elf, Scott, whose sexuality Roy had presumed.
“We would much rather a ‘flaming drag queen’ and a ‘retired gay elf’ — which is pretty rude, since Scott, the retired elf, has not spoken about his sexuality whatsoever, because that would be inappropriate, much like your letter, Roy — we would much rather have them in our yard than a bah humbug Grinch like you.”
O’Brien concluded with a firm message: “How does this affect you in the least? You still gotta get up and go to work, right? You still gotta pay your taxes.”
The True Spirit of the Holidays
The original broadcast was intended to spread holiday cheer through an inclusive and flamboyant lens — fitting for a community known for embracing LGBTQ+ culture. While Roy’s letter may have tried to cast a shadow, O’Brien and the Holiday Lights crew kept the spotlight firmly on love, joy, and celebration.
