# @nowthisoriginals on YouTube - **Type:** Video - **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=yCT96Ku-6rg - **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/7895588-nowthisoriginals-youtube - **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/9df1910d08.jpg - **Posted:** 2023-07-06T15:56:25.000+00:00 ## Caption Bert and Ernie were best friend goals, but were they more than just buds? In the continued moral panic over queerness in children's media, 'Sesame Street' and the teletubby known as Tinky Winky soon came under fire. » Subscribe to @NowThisOriginals Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szB27kYsupY Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1fZkERn7_o Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDjNbFxK5ck #MoralPanic #BertAndErnie #Teletubbies #SesameStreet #LGBTQ #entertainment Experience the intense and outrageous controversy surrounding queerness in children's media through a journey of moral panics and societal pushback. From the 1950s, when homophobic bullies targeted comic book heroes like Batman and Robin, to the evolving landscape of kids' media, the moral panic grew. Discover how best friends Bert and Ernie, beloved characters from the iconic ‘Sesame Street,’ became the subject of speculation and adoration within the queer community. Unearth the conflicting perspectives, as writer Mark Saltzman reveals his inspiration behind Bert and Ernie, while others dismiss Bert and Ernie’s relationship as simply Laurel and Hardy-esque. Witness the national attention that erupted when the question ‘Are Bert and Ernie Gay?’ made its way into a New York Times Magazine article. Sesame Workshop, bombarded with complaints, issued a prepared statement denying any sexual orientation for the puppets. Mark Saltzman, however, wished for a more humorous and authentic response, one that embodied the spirit of ‘Sesame Street.’ As the decades passed, the controversy persisted, causing Sesame Workshop to stumble in addressing the matter. Despite Bert and Ernie's growing recognition as gay icons, the organization remained steadfast in their denial, frustrating those seeking authentic LGBTQ+ representation. Mark Saltzman and his late partner influenced the portrayal of Bert and Ernie's relationship. Amidst the AIDS crisis and personal fears, Saltzman's writing on ‘Sesame Street’ became a reflection of his own life experiences. Witness how Mark Saltzman's revelation reignited the flames of moral panic, leading to renewed discussions and media frenzy. Sesame Workshop faced pushback, realizing the need for a more thoughtful and inclusive response. Although Sesame Workshop retracted a dismissive tweet and emphasized their commitment to acceptance, the question of Bert and Ernie's relationship remains unanswered. Venture beyond ‘Sesame Street’ to the peculiar world of the ‘Teletubbies,’ where Tinky Winky found himself embroiled in debates over his sexuality. With a purple hue, an inverted triangle antenna resembling a gay pride symbol, and a stylish red handbag, the teletubby Tinky Winky became a topic of speculation. Reverend Jerry Falwell's condemnation of Tinky Winky's ‘gay lifestyle’ garnered attention, but the protests ultimately faded into ridicule. Contrasting with Bert and Ernie's situation, the Teletubbies leaned into the rumors and embraced their queer following. From launching a pride collection to paying tribute to Lil Nas X, the Teletubbies celebrated their LGBTQ+ fanbase, even facing criticism from right-wing groups. Despite advancements in LGBTQ+ representation, children's media like ‘Steven Universe’ and ‘Teletubbies’ continue to face attacks in the never-ending moral panic. Connect with NowThis » Subscribe to NowThis News: http://go.nowth.is/News_Subscribe » Like us on Facebook: http://go.nowth.is/News_Facebook » Tweet us on Twitter: http://go.nowth.is/News_Twitter » Follow us on Instagram: http://go.nowth.is/News_Instagram » Find us on Snapchat Discover: http://go.nowth.is/News_Snapchat NowThis Originals is NowThis' new destination for midform, premium series. http://www.youtube.com/@nowthisoriginals ## Stats - **Views:** 5,766 - **Likes:** 154 - **Shares:** 0 - **Comments:** 42 ## Tags teletubbies, moralpanic, entertainment, lgbtq, bertandernie, sesamestreet --- Copyright (c) Gondola