by Warner Todd Huston
The iconic children’s TV series Sesame Street is all-in for “Pride Month” this June, with a series of social media posts encouraging its audience to celebrate LGBTQQIAAP2S+ identities.
The first “pride” post from Thursday featured queer actress Ariana DeBose, who won an Oscar for her role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake, in a video in which she explained the show’s annual liturgy.
“Hi! Elmo and I wanted to share that everyone is always welcome on Sesame Street,” DeBose said. “This month and every month, we want to uplift and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ family, friends, and communities.” Elmo added, “From our Sesame Street family to yours, happy pride. Elmo loves you.”
The caption read, “Everyone is always welcome on Sesame Street. Let’s celebrate LGBTQIA+ people in our communities this Pride and every day! Happy #PrideMonth.”