The PBS children’s show Sesame Street has always been known to teach love and inclusion throughout its half-century of broadcasting. However, conservatives have emerged from the rock that they’ve been sleeping under once it addressed Pride Month.
It all started when Sesame Street posted on Twitter, wishing a happy Pride Month to everyone who celebrates. The tweet included a photo of the pride flag hanging alongside some smiling flowers in a garden. Innocent, right? Well, not according to the unhappy conservatives who took issue with the message being conveyed to children.
So what was the opposition arguing when this tweet came out? Apparently, they alleged that “Sesame Street is spreading the gay agenda” through this post. Funny they say this in a show where there were depictions of LGBT+ communities in the song “We All Sing with the Same Voice.” Let’s not forget the ongoing speculation about Bert and Ernie’s relationship status, either.
Supporters called out a now-deleted tweet, where someone asked Sesame Street to go “all out,” if you know what I mean. Apparently, whenever someone talks about LGBT+ representation, the first thing that comes out in people’s minds is gay sex.
To combat the homophobes who claim that Sesame Street is now supporting the “gay agenda,” people dug up old content throughout the years, which clearly showed that it’s always been inclusive. It’s worth noting that Jim Henson worked with gay performers like Richard Hunt, further emphasizing that this beloved children’s franchise has consistently supported the LGBT+ community.
It’s such as shame that there are adults out there who don’t want to teach their kids love and acceptance and continue on this conservative mindset. Sesame Street has always taught children, including myself and many others, to love and support one another. Hopefully, these adults would rewatch the show and perhaps learn a thing or two.
