Bert and Ernie New Yorker Cover - P 2013
Gay couples have been rejoicing since the Supreme Court ruled that married same-sex couples are entitled to the same federal benefits that married straight couples enjoy.
The court’s decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8 have also led people to speculate about what these rulings mean for their favorite fictional same-sex couples.
STORY: Supreme Court Hands Same-Sex Couples a Victory
One long-rumored-to-be-gay couple watched the court’s decisions with interest, according to the latest cover of The New Yorker, which features a silhouetted Bert and Ernie snuggling together as they watch news of the rulings on TV.
The Sesame Street characters status as longtime roommates has led many people to speculate that they may be a couple.
In fact, after same-sex marriage was legalized in New York, Sesame Street’s producer commented on the puppets’ sexual orientation, or lack thereof, in response to an online petition started to let them get married.
STORY: Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie Will Not Marry in New York City
“Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation,” Sesame Workshop said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter at the time.
Jack Hunter, the artist behind the cover, “Moment of Joy,” which was originally submitted unsolicited to a Tumblr said, “It’s amazing to witness how attitudes on gay rights have evolved in my lifetime. This is great for our kids, a moment we can all celebrate.”
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