Bert and Ernie Wedding

[Dimmauk]

PBS petitioned to have Bert and Ernie wedding
by CYD DUTCHER / KING 5 News

Posted on August 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM

NEW YORK -- Nearly 5,000 people have signed a petition in favor of an on-screen marriage between Bert and Ernie -- the puppets some have speculated are more-than-friends -- as a way to increase acceptance of LGBT children to their peers.

Though their sexual orientation has never been a topic on Sesame Street, the lifelong roommates have always shared a bedroom, leading many people to bring up the topic.

The petition, which is on Change.org, is asking PBS to bring Bert and Ernie out of the closet and let them wed. Those behind the petition believe that the marriage would help LGBT children feel better about themselves and would encourage overall acceptance.

The beginning of the petition reads: “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.”

Along with these strong words, the petitioners also want to ensure PBS sees their true intentions. In the petition they note, “We are not asking that Sesame Street do anything crude or disrespectful. Only that they allow Bert & Ernie to marry.”

With a topic so controversial it’s no surprise that many are seated firmly on both sides of this issue. On the Facebook page for the petition, that has accumulated more than 2,500 “likes,” the wall has been flooded with responses. Many parents think that their children are too young to be exposed to matters such as sexual orientation, while others think it's never too early to teach kids a lesson in acceptance.

There's also a counter argument on 365gay.com calling for Bert and Ernie to be left alone. Contributing editor James Williams says "Let’s worry about making sure humans can get married before we lose sleep over two adorable puppets."

The following is a statement posted on the Sesame Workshop Facebook page.

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.




First Gays ruined Rainbows and Triangles, now they are trying to ruin childhoods.

Ruining childhoods is Hollywood's job! Stick with what you know, dressing nice and having nice bodies. OK?!

[Milkster]

There's also a counter argument on 365gay.com calling for Bert and Ernie to be left alone. Contributing editor James Williams says "Let’s worry about making sure humans can get married before we lose sleep over two adorable puppets."

This so much.

[Mazmaz]

I don't get Sesame's response. Kermit and Piggy had a sexual orientation..

[Dimmauk]

This so much.

Totally. Waste of effort and resources.

[archibaldcrane]

If they want to have gay characters on Sesame street, I'm all for it, introduce them. They already have the HIV+ one in African Sesame Street, so it's not a huge stretch. However, changing two puppets long-established in the canon across multiple generations is dumb.

[Dimmauk]

Plus, how is Bert gay? I've never seen a gay man with a Unibrow.

[richardd]

If they want to have gay characters on Sesame street, I'm all for it, introduce them. They already have the HIV+ one in African Sesame Street, so it's not a huge stretch. However, changing two puppets long-established in the canon across multiple generations is dumb.

[Milkster]

If they want to have gay characters on Sesame street, I'm all for it, introduce them. They already have the HIV+ one in African Sesame Street, so it's not a huge stretch. However, changing two puppets long-established in the canon across multiple generations is dumb.

It's not that big of a leap actually. Everyone already thought they were gay and together as a couple, when they were older. Just slap gay on it and it's a real life relationship.

[richardd]

Plus, how is Bert gay? I've never seen a gay man with a Unibrow.

wasn't big bird was the gay one of the cast? i thought i saw it on VH1, that was the 80's and TV is never wrong

[Dimmauk]

wasn't big bird was the gay one of the cast? i thought i saw it on VH1, that was the 80's and TV is never wrong

Well everyone was gay in the 80s.

[Milkster]

Plus, how is Bert gay? I've never seen a gay man with a Unibrow.

Stereotypes, we had a 45 page discussion on this a month ago! Don't let this be a part 2.

[Dimmauk]

Stereotypes, we had a 45 page discussion on this a month ago! Don't let this be a part 2.

[solanis]

I don't like a big fuss being made over the introduction or outing of LGBT characters. don't include them as a concession, include them because we exist as an accepted (lol) part of society. could not care less about the puppets tbh

[archibaldcrane]

Everyone already thought they were gay and together as a couple

you have way too much time on your hands.

[Galkaeater]

I don't get Sesame's response. Kermit and Piggy had a sexual orientation..

I don't think miss piggys ever been on sesame street

[Milkster]

you have way too much time on your hands.

http://www.bluegartr.com/[IMG]http:/...ngsleygif4.gifhttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NevibMaNz5...nPa1qd0g65.gif

[Fitch.]

Fucking this.

[Howie Roary]

from The Week: http://theweek.com/article/index/218...pets-sexuality

Only in America: Sesame Street clarifies puppets' sexuality
Quit ringing those wedding bells! Bert and Ernie are neither gay nor engaged, insist the beloved Muppets' creators in a stinging statement
posted on August 12, 2011, at 11:00 AM

A gay-rights protester brandishes a sign begging Muppets Bert and Ernie to tie the knot, though Sesame Street insists that the roomies are merely asexual assemblages of cloth and fur. Photo: CC BY: brian kusler SEE ALL 5 PHOTOS
Best Opinion: Slate, Huff. Post, TIME...

The story: Well, that settles it. The creators of a much-hyped petition demanding that Sesame Street buddies Bert and Ernie get married (even though the roommates of 42 years have never come out as gay) got a smackdown of sorts from the Muppets' creators on Thursday. After the petition drive triggered heated debate — LGBT activists claimed a same-sex Muppet union would send an unprecedented message of tolerance to Sesame Street's young viewers — Sesame Workshop released a statement clarifying the puppets' sexuality... or, rather, lack thereof. "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."

The reaction: Wait a minute, says Josh Voorhees at Slate. Considering that Miss Piggy and Kermit are "prime examples of Muppet heterosexuality," it doesn't ring true that Bert and Ernie must be asexual simply because they're puppets. Regardless, says James Poniewozik at TIME, "Bert could do much better" than the "thoughtless, selfish, and deceptive" Ernie. Tellingly, says Dylan Stableford at Yahoo, other beloved characters rumored to be gay have remained mum on this issue. "Spongebob could not be reached for comment." No word yet from Peppermint Patty and Marcie, either.

[Ksandra]

I don't think miss piggys ever been on sesame street

I am not about to go back and look at every sesame street episode, but I'd imagine you're right, or if she did it's more like a "guest shot" vs. being an actual "sesame street puppet".

The kermit= piggy thing is semi-invalid. Sesame street puppets =/= all muppets.


And sesame street puppets have always been more centered on kids whereas the "muppets gang" where more family oriented, and have some adult humor in them (that is, before Jim Henson died). So people shouldn't be comparing the two. It would be like saying sesame street puppets aren't made for kids because the puppets in the Dark Crystal are scary as fuck.

[Dimmauk]

from The Week: http://theweek.com/article/index/218...pets-sexuality

There needs to be a lobby or an organization for Puppet's rights!