Sesame Street faces backlash over Pride Month message

Sesame Street, the iconic children’s program, is facing significant online backlash after posting a Pride Month message celebrating love, inclusivity, and respect.

The June 1 post featured colorful puppet arms linked together, symbolizing unity and support for the LGBTQ+ community, and included the caption: “On our street, everyone is welcome. Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected.”

The annual message was meant to show support for Pride Month, but it quickly drew criticism from some conservative social media users. Critics flooded the replies with accusations of “grooming,” calls to “leave the kids alone,” and questions like, “When is straight month?”

Despite the backlash, many users defended the post, applauding Sesame Street for continuing to promote empathy and diversity. Supporters noted that the show has long championed inclusion and acceptance, pointing to characters like Bert and Ernie and decades of inclusive messaging.

One user wrote, “Shoutout to Sesame Street for raising me to be empathetic and caring towards everyone.” Others praised the show for remaining consistent in its values, despite knowing the negative reactions it often receives.

The controversy highlights the ongoing cultural divide over LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media. While Sesame Street remains firm in its stance, the polarized responses underscore how even simple messages of kindness and inclusion can ignite heated public discourse in 2025.

Sesame Street has not responded directly to the backlash but continues to stand by its message of welcoming all families and promoting love and respect for everyone.