Sesame Street is breaking new ground with its first same-sex couple (Facebook/Alan Muraoka)
Sesame Street is celebrating Pride month with an adorable special episode introducing its first ever same-sex couple.
The milestone episode, titled “Family Day,” debuted on HBO Max and YouTube on Thursday (17 June) and sees characters welcome their family members to the famous street.
Among them are Frank and Dave, the brother of Nina, who works as a bike store owner on the street, and their daughter, Mia.
The iconic kids’ show has discussed LGBT+ families in the past, but Yahoo reports this is first time it’s ever featured a same-sex couple (not counting Bert and Ernie, of course).
Cast member Alan Muraoka, who helped create the episode, shared his happiness on Facebook.
“Sesame Street has always been a welcoming place of diversity and inclusion. So I’m so excited to introduce Nina’s brother Dave, his husband Frank, and their daughter Mia to our sunny street,” he wrote.
“I am so honoured and humbled to have co-directed this important and milestone episode. Love is love, and we are so happy to add this special family to our Sesame family. Happy Pride to all!”
His post was welcomed by scores of parents who were delighted to see the beloved show changing with the times.
“Thank you for showing my boys a family like ours!” commented one. “As a mother of a gay son and a gay daughter, I approve!!!!” wrote another.
The American country pop star Kelsea Ballerini guest starred in the special episode, also touching on the topic of families and how they all share one thing: love.
“I wanna sing a song all about families,” Ballerini said to Elmo.
“Elmo loves his family,” the red Muppet replied. “I love my family too,” she responds. “Actually I love all families … because every family’s different.”
The upcoming lineup for season 51 of Sesame Street includes Hailee Steinfeld, Issa Rae, Billy Porter, Stephen and Ayesha Curry and Maggie Rogers.