Immediately’s article was written by our outdated pal and frequent Muppet Mindset contributor Kieran Moore.

A humorous factor occurred after I got here out as homosexual to one among my buddies. I don’t keep in mind the precise phrases used, however they have been one thing alongside the strains of, “I knew it. Nobody who likes the Muppets as a lot as you might be straight.” Now everyone knows that’s not the case (and a sweeping generalisation), however it’s a undeniable fact that the Muppets appeal to their fair proportion of queer followers and I do suppose it’s bigger proportionately than loads of different related fandoms. 

It’s tough to check the followers of the Muppets to these of different mental properties, purely as a result of there are only a few issues on the market which can be a like for like comparability. In actuality, you in all probability are greater franchises like Disney and Star Wars when it comes to the scope of the Muppet world and the breadth of their output. We all know that each Disney and Star Wars have giant homosexual followings – “Disney homosexual” is a respectable time period – and I might see my pal presumably saying the identical to me if I have been a Disney fan, however would you actually say to a Star Wars fan that his love of all issues Dagobah gave the sport away? I doubt it. So I really feel The Muppets are up there alongside Disney when it comes to the quantity of homosexual followers (am I a person or a “Muppet homosexual”?) However why? Past the plain talent of the creatives behind the Muppets, what’s it about this puppet troupe that we’re drawn to? Are the Muppets inherently homosexual? And who’s gonna purchase a walnut lima bean sandwich? As delight month involves a detailed I made a decision it was time to seek out out…

There are just a few common constants – evening follows day, the cheese in your takeaway pizza will persist with the lid of the field, and gays love an icon. From Liza to Madonna to Elton we stan our iconic kings and queens, so maybe one of the best ways to reply my Muppet query is to find out why and see if we will apply the identical logic to Gonzo, Fozzie and Beverly Plume. What makes a homosexual icon and do the Muppets match the mould? 

There doesn’t appear to be any basic consensus as to what qualities a homosexual icon possesses. Wikipedia says homosexual icons ‘often have a loyal LGBT fanbase and have acted as allies to the LGBT group, usually by their work. Alternatively, in the event that they haven’t acted as allies, they’ve been “overtly appreciative of their homosexual fanbase”’, so let’s have a look at that first. 

One of many world’s greatest homosexual icons, Madonna, has all the time proven solidarity together with her queer followers. Alongside fellow icons Princess Diana and Elton John, she shone a light-weight on the AIDS epidemic and was by no means afraid to talk her thoughts on such points. Though considerably controversial, Madonna additionally performed a giant function in shining a highlight on Ballroom, bringing it to the plenty within the early 90’s. Positive, she profited from this publicity, however it highlighted that there was extra to being queer than the stereotypical white homosexual man everybody knew. He, she or they; Madonna confirmed {that a} rainbow encompasses everybody – means earlier than it was cool to take action. 

From Sir Ian McKellan to Harvey Milk to Barbra Streisand, many individuals we think about homosexual icons have activism and help for the group as one among their central tenets, however do the Muppets? How have Kermit and Co. proven help for his or her LGBTQ followers? For an precise tangible reply you may have a look at issues like Kermit’s presence at Disney’s “That is Me” in 2021 and the pandemic busting “Can’t Cancel Pleasure” in 2020. Miss Piggy has featured at a Trevor Challenge occasion in addition to making a stay look on the OUT100 pink carpet. Whether or not by chance or on goal, a lot of Kermit’s signature songs could be seen as queer anthems – Rainbow Connection and Bein’ Inexperienced particularly. We’ve seen Fozzie and Pepe make references to the homosexual that means of the time period “bear” and gender fluidity respectively within the 2015 sequence. Child Gonzo dressed in opposition to gender stereotypes as “Gonzorella”. They’ve spoken about drag, appeared on Drag Race and used most well-liked pronouns for guets. In a extra thematic sense, the Muppets willingness to simply accept all comers seems like an enormous vote of help for these of us that really feel completely different regularly – that’s not one thing completely LGBTQ+, however it actually is a giant a part of it at instances. Behind the scenes, the inclusion of queer creatives akin to Richard Hunt and people who Toughpigs have highlighted lately exhibits that advocacy wasn’t simply lip service. Though I’m focussing totally on the Muppet Present Muppets right here, it’s additionally price noting additionally that The Henson Firm severed ties with Chick-Fil-A for causes which have been properly reported and donated the cash obtained from them to GLAAD. The present Earth to Ned additionally felt vastly inclusive. So I believe relating to allyship the Muppets may very well be thought-about homosexual icons, however there’s extra to it than that. My mailman helps homosexual marriage, however an icon he isn’t. (Sorry, Kevin.)

One other factor that’s usually quoted as an integral a part of being a homosexual icon is a loyal fanbase. I don’t count on I’ll have to persuade readers of Toughpigs that the Muppets have a loyal fanbase, however for the sake of completeness right here goes… Numerous homosexual icons have their fan teams – Mariah has Lambs, Woman Gaga has Little Monsters, Rihanna has her Navy and the Muppets have… Really, did we ever provide you with a reputation? Are we Hensonians? Feltheads? Forsureleans? I don’t know. What I do know is that if it’s a prerequisite to being a homosexual icon to have a fan base that can observe them to the ends of the Earth, spend ridiculous sums of cash to see them and assist an elephant get into the witness safety programme (“The place did that bellhop go?” ”Elefino…”) then the Muppets have that properly and really lined. So we’ve one other checkmark. 

One other factor all homosexual icons have is a way of fashion. Usually flamboyant, however not essentially so, I defy anybody to call a homosexual icon that doesn’t have a particular look. 

Let’s play a sport – I’ll identify three homosexual icons and also you inform me the primary picture of every that involves thoughts…

George Michael,
Freddie Mercury, 
Marlene Dietrich.

I’d guess good cash 99% of you thought:

Shades, leather-based jacket, ripped denims.
Moustache, white vest, mic stand.
Prime hat, bow tie, cigarette. 

And that’s a sport you might play for hours. 

That stated, while you get to the uber homosexual icons, it goes again the opposite means. Take into consideration Madonna, Elton John and Woman Gaga. All of them have iconic seems to be, however is there an apparent one? And someway the Muppets handle to straddle each of those classes. Kermit is after all Kermit. The inexperienced collar is actually the place it’s at, however the reporter look is up there too. These days Gonzo is understood for the chilli pepper shirt however relying in your classic, if requested for a signature Gonzo look you may additionally say purple tux or sweater vest. And naturally there’s the true icon of the Muppets – Miss Piggy. Once more, she has the plain Muppet Present period halter neck, sash and kerchief combo, however even from again then you may’t low cost her iconic nurse and first mate outfits. And from there the style world has been her clam chowder – selecting and selecting from the very best designer’s on the market. From Marc Jacobs to Vivienne Westwood, she’s worn all of them. So whereas the Muppets completely take a look – in widespread with icons like Rupaul, Cher and Dusty Springfield – you by no means fairly know simply what seems to be they’re going to show till they do. But it’s all the time signature Muppets and it’s all the time iconic. So that they’ve handed this take a look at. That is enjoyable, let’s do one other. 

After I requested a few of my buddies what makes a homosexual icon one of many responses I received was that they reject ordinariness. To additional this, related responses included, being daring, pushing boundaries and ruffling the mainstream. We see this in icons akin to David Bowie, Prince, and relative newcomer, Sam Smith. It’s sort of miserable that Sam Smith is available in for a lot criticism nonetheless when Prince and David Bowie have been pushing the identical boundaries a long time in the past, and much more miserable that Harry Types will get a relative cross, however that’s not what we’re right here to speak about… 

Anywho, I don’t suppose I would like to actually labor the purpose that the Muppets reject ordinariness or push boundaries. From off the wall characters Lew Zealand and Marvin Suggs to surreal sketches together with Hugga Wugga and Rag Mop, the Muppets not solely take pleasure in weirdness they enjoy it and rejoice it wholeheartedly. Gonzo is after all the principle Muppet purveyor of all that’s off-kilter and regardless of some exasperated moments, Kermit is his greatest champion. Simply see Going, Going, Gonzo for proof. Truthfully, the second when Gonzo jumps and Kermit tells him he’s “Gonzo the Best” won’t ever not make me tear up. So many queer followers determine with Gonzo (for good purpose – we additionally usually really feel alone, bizarre, completely different) to listen to Kermit rejoice him makes us really feel celebrated too. That scene from the 2015 present might legitimately have a spot in my high 10 Muppet moments ever. So the Muppets reject ordinariness – who knew? 

And this brings me to a different level – as homosexual individuals we frequently determine with our icons as a result of they’ve confronted issue in some unspecified time in the future of their life. Loads of the individuals I’ve talked about already fall into this class, however it’s laborious to disregard the Judy within the room on this one. Judy Garland may simply be the largest homosexual icon on this planet… ever. It’s not an outrageous declare. She has the entire above, and the factors nonetheless to return, however she can also be well-known for having a tough life. She struggled with drug and alcohol dependancy, her weight, and her funds. She additionally had a number of tabloid-friendly relationships. And but, by all of it she persevered. She continued and located a means. And that’s why we love her. As people and as a group, we’ve struggled and persevered. And that’s what the Muppets do. Each week on The Muppet Present Kermit was “barely holding it collectively”. And but he persevered and he did. Each week. We’ve seen the Muppets wrestle in opposition to frogicidal quick meals tycoons and random wealthy individuals who need to personal a theater and, let’s be trustworthy about this, themselves. And but, they all the time succeed. The present goes on. They persevere. 

In an actual world sense, Jim Henson usually needed to promote the concept of The Muppets and/or his subsequent enterprise and he often struggled to take action. There are many ideas that didn’t make it and exhibits that didn’t final so long as they may’ve or ought to’ve. It took a very long time and a change of continent to get somebody to provide him the possibility to make The Muppet Present… And but he persevered and succeeded. And we received fantastic artwork akin to Fraggle Rock and Labyrinth within the course of. So the Muppets know how you can wrestle and succeed. That is getting simple.

There’s one final piece of standards I believe all homosexual icons have and that’s expertise. Have a look at any of the names I’ve talked about to this point and inform me they’re not gifted. Add to this listing Kylie Minogue, Oscar Wilde, Dolly Parton, Shirley Bassey… And that actually is simply the tip of the rainbow-colored iceberg. Even should you simply take the few names listed above, all have/had profitable careers and are/have been thought-about amongst the very best ever of their chosen subject. I’d defy anybody to inform me all aren’t supremely gifted. I really consider that is a very powerful a part of being a homosexual icon. You is usually a robust ally and camp as a row of pink tents; weirder than Al Yankovic and have struggled all of your life, however should you don’t have the expertise to again that up you’ll by no means actually be a homosexual icon. It’s simply the best way it’s. 

So if that is the massive ticket merchandise, do the Muppets cross muster? I’ve to get on my soapbox right here for a minute. It’s all the time irritated me that “Muppet” has grow to be a time period for incompetence – that’s the literal dictionary definition of the phrase. And but, even should you simply take them as characters in a TV present they’re excellent at what they do. Kermit produces and hosts a present that often packs out a theater and brings in large identify celebrities. Miss Piggy acts and sings and is a respectable famous person due to this. The Electrical Mayhem are insanely good. Even these characters whose schtick it’s to fail are good at what they do – they usually simply do it in an unconventional means. I’ll readily die on this hill. And there’s no purpose for me to go over why the individuals behind the Muppets are gifted. They only are. If we will agree on no different level made right here at this time then we will absolutely agree on this. So sure, as soon as once more, we will say primarily based on this standards the Muppets are homosexual icons. 

One attainable stumbling block to this query (and one that would low cost every part I’ve written) is – can a fictional character be a homosexual icon? It’s a simple rebuttal (and I’ll rebut it – simply), however it’s a degree price mentioning. You’ll very often see fictional characters listed amongst actual individuals in lists of homosexual icons. One in every of my favorites is The Babadook. One supposed origin of that is merely that Netflix by chance listed it as an LGBTQ film on their platform, however one other concept (presumably retconned) suggests it’s as a result of they struggle in opposition to societal norms. Buffy is one other. And naturally there’s a purpose homosexual individuals could be known as “buddies of Dorothy”. Dorothy Gale together with her gingham costume and ruby slippers is a real homosexual icon. And in my humble opinion, separate from Judy Garland. Dorothy desires of being “over the rainbow” away from her sepia-colored existence in a spot the place she will stay her desires. Queer individuals usually do the identical. And as somebody who has finished simply that, I may attest to the necessity to nonetheless have “residence” when you’ve finished so. I stay in a completely homosexual world. I’m out in every single place. I sing in a homosexual choir and run in a homosexual working membership. I’ve wonderful homosexual buddies and a rainbow on my mattress. And but I nonetheless need “residence”. And that’s the reason Dorothy Gale is a homosexual icon. And if she could be – so can the Muppets. 

To conclude (as a result of heaven is aware of I’ve written sufficient), so far as I’m involved the Muppets ought to completely be seen as homosexual icons and but for no matter purpose I’d wager solely a small slither of individuals think about them as such. Individually, Miss Piggy is the closest we get to a longtime homosexual icon from the Muppet Present Muppets and I believe she’s virtually there, however as a gaggle I actually suppose the entire gang ought to get extra recognition. Perhaps that’s the issue – they’re a gaggle not a person. After I was researching this piece (I do know, it doesn’t look like it), I solely discovered one group on any listing of homosexual icons – ABBA. Perhaps being a part of a gaggle makes it harder – maybe as queer followers we’d like that one particular person, that one particular person with whom on some degree we will determine. Truthfully, I believe that’s the key. That’s the lacking ingredient. However right here’s the factor, if Miss Piggy or Gonzo represents you, then the Muppets at giant symbolize the entire queer group. Our trans, non-binary, intersex, asexual, homosexual, lesbian, bi, demiboy, demigirl buddies and neighbors. All of them have a spot in our rainbow connection. Image that remaining second within the Muppet Film with the rainbow streaming down after which think about not all sexualities and genders are offered there. The Muppets are homosexual icons as a result of they symbolize us all. So I name on the queer group to get behind the Muppets as homosexual icons – not as a result of they’re flamboyant and camp or have struggled and succeeded. Not even as a result of they’re gifted. However as a result of they embody us all in a means nobody else does or can. They’re our previous, current and future and present us simply how wonderful we’re. And that’s iconic. 

Now, who desires to purchase a walnut lima bean sandwich…? 

By Kieran Moore

Click on right here to purchase Kieran’s sandwich on the ToughPigs discussion board!