A group of gay activists is hoping to see Sesame Street roommates Bert and Ernie say “I do.” That is, assuming they even want to marry each other. After all, they have never officially come out of the closet.
The group has launched a petition that’s already garnered more than 700 signatures via Change.org. The message is one of tolerance:
In this horrific age of LGBT kids taking their own lives, they need to know that they ARE BEAUTIFUL and their lives are worth living. Aside from those that are committing suicide, the bullies that facilitate these tragedies need to learn that homophobia is NOT okay. They need to know that acceptance of their fellow human beings would indeed plant a seed of peace that will reverberate throughout the world. We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful. Only that they allow Bert & Ernie to marry or even add a transgender character to the show. It can be done in a tasteful way. Let us teach tolerance of those that are different. Let Sesame Street and PBS Kids be a big part in saving many worthy lives. Please visit our Facebook page.
Though Bert and Ernie’s wedding would be the first of its kind on Sesame Street, it would actually be the second highly publicized gay marriage among the puppet population. Rod and Ricky from the musical “Avenue Q” exchanged vows when it became legal for gay couples in New York to get married.
So what do you think? Should Bert and Ernie tie the knot in a show of
support for all children, gay or straight? Or is this whole thing way
too political for a place like Sesame Street?
