Why Mr. Ratburn's Wedding Proves that LGBTQ+ Representation Isn't Difficult
By Rachel Rivenbark
"Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone" | PBS
It’s a truly rare occasion which in the hustle and bustle of everyday life fully draws one’s attention back to a book or show from childhood, often long since outgrown and brushed aside. When such occasions occur, they are usually the result of tragedy, such as the unfortunate death last year of Lazy Town actor Stefán Karl Steffánson - otherwise known as the nefarious but well-liked Robbie Rotten - after a long battle with cancer. With the grim realities of adult life and mortality ever encroaching upon us, we often find that these sudden harkenings back to our childhood pastimes rarely end in happy news… gratefully, today has proven to be an exception for the books.
Mr. Nigel Ratburn has been an imperative main character of the much-beloved children’s cartoon Arthur since his very first appearance as Arthur Read’s third-grade teacher in the 1981 book Arthur and the True Francine. Appearing in nearly every episode of the series, Mr. Ratburn is well-established as one of the primary non-parental role models for Arthur and his peers. Although they initially perceive him to be a harsh, strict teacher who gives out too much homework, the whole gang quickly comes to learn that he simply has a great deal of passion for his job, and wants to do the best he can by his students, often mentoring and aiding them even outside the classroom. He is a kind, well-meaning, well-educated, and devoted teacher and guide to all the children on the show…
...and he’s gay.
Mr. Nigel Ratburn has been an imperative main character of the much-beloved children’s cartoon Arthur since his very first appearance as Arthur Read’s third-grade teacher in the 1981 book Arthur and the True Francine. Appearing in nearly every episode of the series, Mr. Ratburn is well-established as one of the primary non-parental role models for Arthur and his peers. Although they initially perceive him to be a harsh, strict teacher who gives out too much homework, the whole gang quickly comes to learn that he simply has a great deal of passion for his job, and wants to do the best he can by his students, often mentoring and aiding them even outside the classroom. He is a kind, well-meaning, well-educated, and devoted teacher and guide to all the children on the show…
...and he’s gay.
