The official “Sesame Street” Twitter account shared a pro-LGBTQ message in a post for Pride Month, prompting many social media users to express strong objections.
“On our Street, we celebrate inclusion, belonging, and freedom of authentic self-expression. Happy #PrideMonth to all the people in our neighborhoods!” the post said, along with a rainbow array of hearts following the text. An image attached depicts a colorful cartoon garden with the Progress Pride Flag in the center of it.
On our Street, we celebrate inclusion, belonging, and freedom of authentic self-expression. Happy #PrideMonth to all the people in our neighborhoods! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜💗🤍🤎🖤 pic.twitter.com/4ErE22oCh4
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) June 12, 2023
Many Twitter users questioned why the long-running PBS show for children would promote this type of messaging.
“This does not need to be shown to kids or taught to kids… Go back to normal Sesame Street and #LeaveKidsAlone in this stuff,” one user replied.
“It was a great run,” another account posted. “Thank you for all you did to make me the man I am today, Sesame Street, and for doing so much to make my world a better place. I regret that my own sons will not have that opportunity, though I am glad Bob was spared from this. All the best.”
“Children do not need to be subjected to the sexual preferences of adults,” another user responded.
“The letter of the day is G for groomer,” someone else said.
Though a few of the comments were supportive, most were negative. There was also a mix of opinions on another social media platform.
“Sesame Street” shared a video clip to Instagram of a heart in rainbow colors and various characters from the show placing their hands on it. “Today and everyday, we celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ members of our community. From our family to yours, happy #PrideMonth!” the caption said.
“Yes, because children truly understand what pride means,” one response said. “Can we just leave the kids alone please? Let them be little without pushing a sexual agenda.”
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This isn’t the first time the PBS show faced backlash for promoting Pride Month. In 2021, an episode called “Family Day” featured a gay couple and their daughter.
“Sesame Street has always been a welcoming place of diversity and inclusion,” Alan Muraoka, who plays “Alan” on the show, said on Facebook at the time. “So I’m so excited to introduce Nina’s Brother Dave, his husband Frank, and their daughter Mia to our sunny street.”
“I am so honored and humbled to have co-directed this important and milestone episode,” Muraoka added. “Love is love, and we are so happy to add this special family to our Sesame family. Happy Pride to all!!!!”