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Mr. Ratburn Coming Out On 'Arthur' Is Another Sign Of A More Accepting Generation

Who knew PBS Kids was so progressive?

Madeline Nave

Jun 24, 2019

National Writers Society

Mr. Ratburn Coming Out On 'Arthur' Is Another Sign Of A More Accepting Generation

PBS Kids

Like any millennial, I hope, I watched a quirky aardvark and his friends navigate life in the show "Arthur" as a child. Now, halfway through my 20s, I'm bingeing on the show's 22nd season, and it's because Mr. Ratburn, Arthur's teacher, came out as gay.

I came out as identifying with the LGBTQIA+ community in early 2017 after years of condensing my feelings toward the same sex. Consequently, I am all on board with a longstanding children's program sliding inclusivity and normalcy into the lives of kids through the screens of tightly gripped iPads and flatscreen TVs.

The episode features the ageless third-grade lot as they bounce around town trying to find a new suitor for their teacher, Mr. Ratburn. Their initial thought of his partner was an icky picky stranger named Patty. Patty was none other than the androgynous icon Jane Lynch. Her character starred as the suit-wearing sister and wedding planner. Name a movie or show Lynch hasn't worn pants in. I'll wait.

The wedding day arrived, and Mr. Ratburn walked the aisle with a tuxedo-clad aardvark named Patrick.

PBS Kids

While there are romantic hints throughout the episode, the buzz around Mr. Ratburn marrying the town's chocolate store owner is static. The characters don't discuss his gender or mention his name at the wedding reception. They do, however, indulge in the wedding cake and gawk at their teacher's dance moves. This is the first time the show has made a reference to Mr. Ratburn's sexuality. And with that, encourages an even greater level of acceptance from the characters of "Arthur" and everyday families.

It is true: queer people exist. We're a part of your everyday life even if you aren't aware. It's super important for children and adults alike to see families like their own on television. I think it's safe to say the writers and producers of this championing program are encouraging children to see queer people as equals.

About damn time.

If you haven't already watched the radiating episode, "Mr. Ratburn & The Someone Special," you can find it here.

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

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Mr. Ratburn Coming Out On 'Arthur' Is Another Sign Of A More Accepting Generation

Who knew PBS Kids was so progressive?

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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