This just in! In an official statement released on Facebook, Sesame Workshop has officially addressed what everyone has always talked about with hushed whispers and under the cover of darkness. Bert and Ernie are not gay! Or straight! They are asexual puppets. That’s a let down! Sesame Street has always been a progressive and forward thinking show, especially for children. The show has dealt with a multitude of social issues, including (but not limited to) breaking stereotypes, modelling positive behaviour, respecting different ethnicities and backgrounds, and showing people who are differently abled as positive and competent role-models. The statement reads:
Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets™ do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation. SOURCE
What a bummer! I guess we’ll just have to settle for male puppet action via Avenue Q. Although, personally, I always thought it was silly to call Bert and Ernie gay. Despite Sesame Street having an awesome track record for delivering messages of tolerance to children, I guess we’ll have to wait for a depiction of an actual LGBT character. Although, Neil Patrick Harris‘ Shoe Fairy comes really close.
