Issue 5: The Sexual Orientation of Puppets

Last week it was announced by the people in suits at Sesame Street that Bert and Ernie are not gay.  They are, in fact, best friends and have no sexual orientation whatsoever.  My question is this; was that necessary?  Ever since this news hit last week I’ve read several opinions on both sides of this argument and given the opinions of others and the final decision from Henson studios I’ve got a few things to say about the whole thing.  First, Sesame Street could benefit greatly from a gay character.  A gay character.  One.  And not a puppet an adult.  They can teach tolerance for other people and their sexual orientations at a young age.  Some may say that there’s no need for that, but with homosexual relationships as celebrated and publicly open as they are now kids are inquisitive and it’s not about if they’ll understand, it’s about the fact that one day they’re going to ask.  So, yes, a gay human character on Sesame Street could be quite beneficial.