Sesame Street just announced that actor Billy Porter is going to appear on an episode and of course a certain section of social media is “outraged.”
Porter, who is an Emmy winner known both for his portrayal of Praytell in the series ‘Pose’ as well as for his extravagant red carpet outfits, was featured in some pictures that Sesame Street posted to social media announcing that he’d appear on the show. The long-running children’s show posted a pic of him in his infamous tux dress in front of 123 Sesame Street on social media reading “@theebillyporter bringing those fierce vibes to Sesame Street for #Season51 🔥 💯”
An iconic day with an iconic person ♥️ Thanks for visiting Sesame Street, @theebillyporter! #Season51 pic.twitter.com/Yre2PO4a0p
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) January 30, 2020
Some who commented on the post people were supportive. “If I had seen someone like you on TV when I was that age, coming out would have been so much easier and happier,” wrote one commenter on Facebook. But per usual there were also a lot of less than supportive comments. On Twitter, one person simply wrote: “Disgusting. Sicko degenerates peddling their sickness to innocent children.”
More negative tweets followed, “A man in a dress is not child appropriate, in fact, it can be confusing.” Some even accused Sesame Street of “promoting LGBT themes” and trying to “smash gender norms,” calling out a song from 2017 where Grover appeared in a dress. However, LGBTQ-supportive people are pushing back on social media.
“If you see this and you’re upset by it, maybe you should do what your parents couldn’t and help your children become emotionally healthy and confident adults,” wrote a commenter on Facebook.
“Dude, everyone getting all heated and they seem to forget that the founding fathers were running around in wigs and tights,” wrote another.
“Y’all are wild. Sesame Street has ALWAYS been about diversity and the American Experience,” wrote a different commenter.
The show has not said when the episode will air. Peep the receipts below. Do you see anything wrong with the show educating children on different walks of like and people?
This absolutely shameful and this should be off limits to children!!! Never ever will I allow my children to watch again!!!
— DizFam (@DizFamilyof5) January 30, 2020
I don't allow my children to watch shows that intentionally confuse them until they are in middle school. I just recently taught my son to accept the lgbtq community fully without judgment, but sadly my younger children won't get to watch sesame street…
— TaurusBrit (@Brit28340522) January 30, 2020
Billy Porter wearing THE Dress on Sesame Street 😍 let me tell you, if I had this dress I’d be wearing it to work, to the gym, in bed, in the shower… pic.twitter.com/w8Fsir426U
— mami(ta) (@justcallhermom) January 30, 2020
I’m genuinely concerned what’s wrong with this? Why can’t Billy Porter go on Sesame Street in this? I’d rather see the community on television’s doing more than arguing with females and throwing drinks on Reality TV…. He needs to chill. https://t.co/5NTaLAEdmg
— Ava Duverngay (@KeithHollandd) January 31, 2020
Seeing that Billy Porter is on Sesame Street wearing this honestly makes me so happy for the children who are watching and hope they know it’s okay to wear whatever you want no matter your gender pic.twitter.com/p2cSQyyTg7
— Kayce 🌙✨ (@kayce_aj) January 30, 2020
this “exposing” word really bothers me like sexuality is some kinda secret. People act like kids are gonna start fucking the world just because they know someone else likes that same gender as their own. https://t.co/eeqHTqBab5
— tim hell. (@itsTimHell) January 31, 2020
Let kids be kids. Why are you pushing YOUR sexual preferences and agenda on them? What you do in your bedroom is your business. Stop shoving your orientations down people’s throats especially children’s. Our 4 year old will NOT be watching.
— Andi Pro-Life Pro-Women America ❤️🇺🇸 (@andreacitymom) January 31, 2020
People are big mad over this? Really? @PBS shouldn’t be bullied by RWNJs who loudly support bigotry, racism, sexual assault, and grabbing ‘em by the pussy but get angry over … LOVE?
Kudos to Sesame Street for having @theebillyporter. Keep spreading the love, y’all! pic.twitter.com/enMOi2n3cz
— ₱₳Ɽ₳₴ ♛ ₳₴₵Ɇ₦Đł₦₲ (@TweetsFromParas) January 31, 2020
