SESAME STREET — A dark cloud was cast over Pride Month festivities on Sesame Street, as Bert and Ernie, long regarded as icons by the LGBTQ community, clarified that they are, in fact, just a couple of straight guys who live together.

“We’re just roommates,” Bert said when asked to describe his relationship with Ernie. “I don’t get why my best friend and I can’t live together without everyone thinking we’re gay. We’re just a couple of dudes who share an apartment. He does his thing. I do mine. Don’t make it weird.”