Bert and Ernie Are a Gay Couple According to ‘Sesame Street’ Writer

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Bert and Ernie are finally out … a “Sesame Street” writer is confirming the iconic characters are a gay couple. 

Bert and Ernie have been on the show since it started in 1969, and there’s always been speculation about the true nature of their relationship. Mark Saltzman, who joined the “Sesame Street” crew in 1984, cleared it all up by telling Queerty he wrote Bert and Ernie as a gay couple.

He says the ‘Sesame’ duo is a reflection of his own same-sex relationship and not about pushing an agenda. 

Mark says he based Bert and Ernie on his relationship with film editor Arnold Glassman – Mark was Ernie and Arnold was Bert. 

Of course, Bert and Ernie have shared a basement apartment at 123 Sesame Street for the last 49 years … although they’ve always slept in separate beds. Still, their chemistry — while playfully arguing and bickering — was always palpable.  

Mark’s revelation might be more of a formality — the fact is, Bert and Ernie are longtime gay icons for many in the LGBT community.