(READ MORE: Top Tennessee Senate leader files bill to criminalize public drag shows and other performances if minors present)Protesters chanted things including "strong families, strong nation" and "reclaim America," while others held signs saying "stop the abuse of children," "groom dogs not children," "cross-dressing is an abomination to the Lord" and "you do not know what love is," according to social media videos and counter-protesters who came out to support the theater.A Facebook event listing for the protest of the theater advertised it as a demonstration to "stop 'kid-friendly' drag/burlesque shows," according to screenshots obtained by the Chattanooga Times Free Press.The protest comes several weeks after a video of a child interacting with a performer at a youth pride event in Chattanooga caused indignation in conservative media -- based on a mistaken impression that the performer was a man dressed as a mermaid.(READ MORE: Video of LGBTQ pride event prompts outcry at Chattanooga City Council meeting)The Haleys said they started the theater earlier this year, after finding there was no place like it in Chattanooga where their 15-year-old trans son could go and feel safe."That's what we hear more than anything from parents, especially for teachers and young people in those important formative years, they don't have places their kids can go to," Elizabeth said."