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Sesame Street introduces family with two gay dads marking Pride Month, Father’s Day

by Marina Pitofsky - 06/21/21 4:49 PM ET

“Sesame Street” aired a new episode last week featuring a family with two dads. The episode premiered during Pride Month and just ahead of Father’s Day.

In “Family Day,” one of the show’s characters, Nina, introduces her brother, Dave; his husband, Frank, and their daughter, Mia.

The characters are seen joining the cast of the children’s show, including Elmo, before a party.

“Elmo’s so happy that you’re all here,” Elmo tells the new “Sesame Street” characters.

The dads in the family were portrayed by Chris Costa and Alex Weisman. Their daughter was portrayed by Olivia Perez.

Alan Muraoka, who portrays Alan on “Sesame Street,” shared on Facebook that was “honored 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!”

June marks Pride Month in the United States, and families across the country celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday.

The new addition of the family on the children’s show was lauded by GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. Ellis on Twitter last week said the episode “sends the simple and important message that families come in all forms and that love and acceptance are always the most important ingredients in a family.”

The ‘Family Day’ episode of Sesame Street sends the simple and important message that families come in all forms and that love and acceptance are always the most important ingredients in a family. https://t.co/vpu64aEurS

— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) June 18, 2021

“Frank and Dave, as Mia’s dads, are the latest characters in an undeniable trend of inclusion across kids & family programming, one that allows millions of proud LGBTQ parents, and our children, to finally get to see families like ours reflected on TV,” she added.

Frank and Dave, as Mia’s dads, are the latest characters in an undeniable trend of inclusion across kids & family programming, one that allows millions of proud LGBTQ parents, and our children, to finally get to see families like ours reflected on TV.

— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) June 18, 2021

“Sesame Street” earlier this month wished viewers a happy Pride Month on social media, sharing that “We’re celebrating love in all of its beautiful forms.”