Sesame Street has marked Pride month by introducing a brand new family with two gay fathers, CNN reports.
The episode in question, titled 'Family Day', was added to HBO Max on Thursday, June 17. It sees Nina introduce her brother and his husband (portrayed by Chris Costa and Alex Weisman respectively) and their daughter (played by Olivia Perez) to Elmo and his pals.
Director Alan Muraoka, who plays the owner of Hooper's Store on the beloved children's show, shared his thoughts on the groundbreaking episode.
"Sesame Street has always been a welcoming place of diversity and inclusion," he wrote on Facebook. "So, I’m so excited to introduce Nina’s Brother Dave, his husband Frank, and their daughter Mia to our sunny street."
Muraoka added: "I am so 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!!!!"
A number of others have taken to social media to commend the episode for the message it sends young kids.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis tweeted:
"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.
"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."
Another added: "They actually have a gay couple on Sesame Street??? YES I have wanted this for so long so happy they finally will showcase it. Maybe they can get transgender and non binary people in there next. We need to stamp out these prejudices"
Another emotional comment read: "I never thought i'd be hearing 'my brother and his husband' on sesame street. it's almost enough to make you cry."
A third wrote: "On days when the highest court in the land won’t acknowledge LGBTQ+ parents, it is amazing that @sesamestreet will."
