Billy Porter, along with his iconic tuxedo gown from last year’s Oscars, will be making an appearance in season 51 of the classic children’s show Sesame Street.
The show shared the news on Instagram and Twitter with photos of Porter and some of the most well-known Sesame Street characters and sets (including Elmo in a matching tuxedo and Big Bird’s nest).
“An iconic day with an iconic person,” they wrote on Twitter. “Billy Porter bringing those fierce vibes to Sesame Street for Season 51,” the popular show also said on Instagram.
An iconic day with an iconic person ♥️ Thanks for visiting Sesame Street, @theebillyporter! #Season51 pic.twitter.com/Yre2PO4a0p
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) January 30, 2020
https://www.instagram.com/p/B78hhoNI4gm/?utm_source=ig_embed
“Y’all talk about iconic,” Porter wrote on Twitter in response. “I was ticked to meet Elmo and the gang at Sesame Street.”
While the majority of responses to the news were positive, there were expectedly a number that were negative, with some saying they wouldn’t allow their children (or themselves) to watch the show anymore.
However, one Twitter user succinctly shut those commenters down.
“Grrr, gay man in dress, I angry” can sum up this comment section well. Screw all that, I think this is pretty cool
— Alex (Twitch: Levy) (Open for commissions!) (@LevyNeptune_) January 30, 2020
Others thanked Sesame Street for the inclusivity.
Thank you SO MUCH @sesamestreet – you are ALL beautiful beings, shaping a wonderful inclusive world . pic.twitter.com/MqETcjpNSU
— Langdon (@StillLangdon) January 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/CindyWorden1973/status/1223085882414116871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1223085882414116871&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gaytimes.co.uk%2Fculture%2F132088%2Fbilly-porter-set-to-make-an-appearance-on-sesame-street%2F
A wonderful move for inclusiveness! My younger brother was on Sesame Street when he was 8 and I'm happy to see it's still prospering with true values of love and genuineness!
— Evan Laurence (@evanlaurence) January 31, 2020
You haters are ridiculous. Get a grip. Go educate yourself about the live and beauty @theebillyporter has brought to the world. I’m gonna record this episode because I know it’ll be filled with love, tolerance, and acceptance. Hurrah to Sesame Street! ♥️
— katie schaefermurray (@kschaefermurray) January 31, 2020
Specifics regarding the air date of Porter’s episode have yet to be confirmed by Sesame Street.