The iconic children’s show Sesame Street is introducing three new characters – a married gay couple and their daughter.
“Sesame Street has always been a welcoming place of diversity and inclusion,” Alan Muraoka, who plays Alan, posted on Facebook. “So I’m so excited to introduce Nina’s brother Dave, his husband Frank, and their daughter Mia to our sunny street.”
Related: Sesame Street posts Pride Month message featuring rainbow-colored muppets
Muraoka directed the episode that focuses on “Family Day.” The story focuses on Big Bird, who thinks his Granny Bird can’t make the big celebratory party before he’s surprised by his neighborhood family.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
“I am so honored and humbled to have co-directed this important and milestone episode. Love is love, and we are so happy to add this special family to our Sesame family. Happy Pride to all!!!!”
In 2002, Takalani Sesame, the South African version of Sesame Street, introduced Kami, the show’s first-ever HIV-positive muppet. Kami is five-years-old, seroconverted by blood transfusion and mostly talks about HIV and the importance of staying in school.
While her creators quickly caved to Republican fears and promised that she’d never appear in the U.S. where HIV disproportionately affects non-white, gay and bi men and trans people, her mere existence at least hinted at the show’s desire to get into potentially touchy territory.
Nevertheless, Sesame Street has stood up to anti-LGBTQ advocates recently by featuring very out celebrities in their show including lesbian talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, comedian Billy Eichner, Pose actor and singer Billy Porter, and out rapper Lil’ Nas X.
