For anyone who still questions the sexual orientation of popular ’90s performer The Teletubbies, the band seems to remove any doubt. GLAAD partnered with the brand to launch The Teletubbies Pride Collection in June.
The clothing line – whose proceeds benefit GLAAD – revives several ’90s looks, including a zip-up shoulder bag, reversible bucket hat and mid-rise socks as part of a pride celebration. queer and nostalgia for the 90s.
“The Teletubbies have always embraced their own quirky originality and sense of style,” said Michael Riley, director of brands at WildBrain, the company that owns Teletubbies. “This Pride Month we’re celebrating that ‘love who you are’ spirit through our ready-to-rave fashion collection that makes Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po very proud. We’ve taken the most iconic elements fans know and love from the Teletubbies and crafted a playful collection with a fashion twist that we hope fans will love wearing this Pride month and throughout the year. “
For Teletubbies fans, the partnership with GLAAD is somewhat ironic. The show was criticized in the 1990s by Reverend Jerry Falwell accusing the show of promoting homosexuality. Specifically, Falwell claimed that the character Tinky Winky was a coded gay character. Falwell noted that he sported purple fur and had a triangle on his head – two symbols associated with being queer – as well as a handbag.
The accusations invited mockery, even as LGBTQ people rushed to claim Tinky Winky as one of their own. The character became an unofficial symbol of the community, and jokes about his sexuality became a comedy staple at the time.
Hoping to see Tinky Winky party at Pride Festivals this year, alongside Bert & Ernie, Pennywise, the Babadook and Regina George.
