Tinky Winky

Tinky Winky is a one of the four Teletubbies in the children's television show of the same name. He is the largest of the Teletubbies, with covered in purple terrycloth, has a triangular antenna on his head, and is notable for the red luggage (described by the show as a "magic bag", but often described as a purse) he always seems to have at hand.

Tinky Winky aroused the interest of Jerry Falwell in 1997 when Fallwell alleged that the character was a "gay role model". Falwell issued an attack in his National Liberty Journal, citing a Washington Post "In/Out" column which stated that homosexual comedian Ellen DeGeneres was "out" as the chief national gay representative -- while trendy Tinky Winky was "in." Falwell cited the Teletubby's purple color, "purse," and triangle antenna as symbolic of homosexuality. These claims have caused many even among conservative Christians to view Falwell as ridiculous.