Free the cartoons!
That damned
SpongeBob SquarePants story is still zipping about the 'net and popping up in the old-fashioned media, refusing a dignified death. I'm tired of reading the same denials over and over. Why can't SpongeBob be gay? Why does Sesame Street Inc. always insist that Bert and Ernie are just friends? Tinky Winky's no homo, cry his, er, her, er, its, creators! If Charles Schulz were still alive, we'd soon see a press release denying Peppermint Patty's proposed proclivities.
There are queer cartoon characters, but only for grown-ups. The obscene Ren and Stimpy. Smithers and Patty Bouvier (doh). And when kids' 'toons do make mention -- that PBS Buster the bunny rabbit kerfuffle -- the homos are grown-up lesbian mommies. No confused kids working out their sexual orientation here.
But... but... they're too young! you say.
In the recent SpongeBob movie, film makers had no problems showing the suddenly hetero Patrick the starfish going gaga over a girl. Why not a same-sex crush? Kiddie cartoon rights are the next great gay challenge.