Beloved children’s program Sesame Street is facing intense criticism from parents, pastors, and family advocacy groups after the show’s official social media account celebrated LGBT Pride Month on June 1.

The show’s post, which features rainbow-colored puppet arms interlocked in solidarity, was captioned:

“On our street, everyone is welcome. Together, let’s build a world where every person and family feels loved and respected for who they are. Happy #PrideMonth!”

The message quickly went viral, drawing over 14 million views by Monday. But while the post was intended as an inclusive gesture, many online voiced alarm, accusing Sesame Street—a PBS-funded program geared toward toddlers—of pushing sexual ideology onto young children.

Christian voices were especially outspoken, viewing the messaging as another example of moral and cultural decline targeting the innocence of children.

“Sesame Street was brought to you today by the letter ‘G’ for Groomer,” wrote Christian author William Wolfe, executive director of the Center for Baptist Leadership.

James White, pastor and director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, shared a stern biblical warning:

“My grandchildren will never watch your propaganda. I would say ‘shame on you’ for grooming children, but that would assume you have a worldview that would even understand the natural and proper place of ‘shame.'”

Other users referenced Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6, which warns against leading children into sin:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Wade Miller, executive director of Citizens for Renewing America, said the show no longer reflects the values that once defined it.

“I grew up with Sesame Street. I won’t let my kids watch it because of all the woke nonsense you push.”

Family advocacy leader Brady Gray, president of the Texas Family Project, said:

“Sesame Street, a show designed for young children, promoting immoral, perverse sexual lifestyles. I’m so glad my children have never watched this trash.”

The show has sparked similar backlash in recent years, including when it featured drag performers and promoted COVID-19 vaccines and Black Lives Matter rallies. Popular account Libs of TikTok posted a montage of such segments and declared, “Parents, BEWARE! Sesame Street is grooming your kids.”

The controversy also comes amid ongoing tension between the federal government and public broadcasters. Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting public funding for PBS and NPR, accusing them of ideological bias. PBS, which receives around 16% of its funding from the government, filed a lawsuit in response.

Many Christian families are calling the Sesame Street post a wake-up call for parents to be vigilant about what content their children are consuming—even from institutions that were once trusted.

As one user posted plainly:

“What used to teach the alphabet and friendship is now pushing propaganda. Enough is enough.”

The backlash underscores a growing divide in America over the role of children’s media, cultural values, and what is truly “age-appropriate.” For faith-based parents, the call is clear: be discerning, be watchful, and guard the hearts and minds of the next generation.