Is Tinky a gay role model for boys, or a purple toddler in full play?
Originally published in Current, Feb. 22, 1999 By Karen Everhart Bedford International stardom has not been easy for Tinky Winky, the Teletubby recently “outed” by the Rev. Jerry Falwell as a gay role-model for children. First there was a big flap in England, shortly after the show’s 1997 debut, over the dismissal of the actor playing Tinky Winky. Producers said he had been too rambunctious on the set. But the actor apparently endeared himself to viewers by flamboyantly waving the now-notorious red handbag, and did not go quietly. The Sun, Britain’s largest tabloid, launched a campaign to reinstate the actor, but to no avail. Now, like other big children’s TV stars before him–Barney, Bert and Ernie and Mister Rogers–Tinky Winky this month became an irresistible target for jokes by writers, comedians and talk-show hosts. The February issue of Falwell’s National Liberty Journalalerted parents to “subtle depictions” that make Tinky Winky a gay role model for children. Namely, his triang
