Sesame Street and the Debate Over LGBT Characters on Children's Television

Leave it to Twitter and Facebook to create a firestorm of commentary after Bert of the famed Bert and Ernie duo from Sesame Street tweeted that his hair is more “mo” than “hawk.” The tweet was immediately read as a long-awaited, though encoded, coming out for the seemingly gay PBS puppet.

For those unfamiliar, “mo” is gay slang for “homosexual,” and the reaction to Bert’s was fast and furious. One of those commenting the most was Elton writer Ed Kennedy, who wrote a post back in June further outing Bert and suggesting that the tweet was a clever ploy by producers to give a hat tip to gay pride.

But who is it to blame for their initial excitement at the possibility that a responsible and respected outlet would finally include gay characters on a children’s show? Haven’t we all peeked under the carpet in search of all things gay in the myriad images growing up, all of which disappointed us time and again with straight portrayals?

Plus, anyone who ever watched that episode of Sesame Street a la “The Gift of the Magi,” can’t deny that the ultimate act of sacrifice and tenderness between Bert and Ernie has the emotional brevity of a couple in love. If you’re not familiar with the tale, Bert sold his paper clip collection so he could afford to buy a soap dish for Ernie’s rubber ducky, while Ernie sold his rubber ducky to afford to buy a cigar box for Bert’s paper clip collection. Truly heartbreaking and meaningful ... even if it makes one wonder how much rent costs on Sesame Street that Bert and Ernie couldn’t afford simple pleasures and modest gifts.

Perhaps if Bert and Ernie did come out of the closet it would be too cliché. And maybe then we’d complain about how their relationship was just another example of the desexualization of LGBTQ characters on TV. After all, don’t Bert and Ernie sleep in separate beds in the same room? It would be Will & Grace, muppet-style.

I believe that people should have the right to marry or love anyone that they choose. Some people don't care about the issue, some believe its sinful and others support it. But ask yourself this question: Would my lifestyle change if I saw a gay married couple? I happen to think not.