The 'Mr. Ratburn Is Gay' meme originated from the season 22 premiere of the long-running PBS kids' show 'Arthur,' titled 'Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone.' In the episode, the characters (and the audience) discover that their teacher, Nigel Ratburn, is getting married to a man named Patrick. The revelation became a viral sensation on social media, with fans celebrating the inclusive representation in a beloved childhood series. The meme is typically used to highlight wholesome LGBTQ+ moments, express joy for the character's happiness, or react to the nostalgic shock of a childhood teacher having a personal life. It remains a staple of wholesome internet culture.