The internet has a funny way of taking two separate worlds and smashing them together until the seams start to show. One day you're minding your business, and the next, you're falling down a rabbit hole involving the Wiggles, a 1940s code word for the LGBTQ+ community, and a viral TikTok theory that feels just plausible enough to be true. It's the Friends of Dorothy Wiggles phenomenon. Honestly, if you grew up watching Greg, Murray, Jeff, and Anthony, the idea of them being tied to queer history might feel like a fever dream. But the crossover is real, even if it’s not exactly what the "stan" accounts on Twitter would have you believe.
Why the "Friends of Dorothy" Label Still Hits Different
To understand the Friends of Dorothy Wiggles connection, we have to talk about the slang. Historically, calling yourself a "Friend of Dorothy" was a survival tactic. Back when being out could get you arrested or worse, gay men used the phrase to identify each other safely. It’s widely accepted—though debated by some historians like John D'Emilio—that the "Dorothy" in question is Judy Garland's character from The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy Gale was the ultimate misfit who found a chosen family in a land of color.
So, how does a 1939 musical relate to a group of Australian men in primary-colored sweaters?
It started with a few viral clips. Specifically, the Wiggles’ 2021 cover of Tame Impala’s "Elephant" for Triple J’s Like a Version. The performance was legendary. It was the first time many Gen Z fans realized the Wiggles weren't just "kid performers"—they were high-level musicians with a massive, diverse following. When the Wiggles started leaning into their adult fan base, the queer community leaned back. Hard.
The Friends of Dorothy Wiggles Intersection
The term Friends of Dorothy Wiggles isn't an official brand. You won't find it on a licensed t-shirt at a concert. Instead, it’s a grassroots identifier. It’s used by LGBTQ+ fans who grew up with the OG Wiggles and now find a weird, comforting nostalgia in their inclusive evolution.
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The Wiggles themselves have changed. They aren't just four guys anymore. The lineup is more diverse than ever, featuring Tsehay Hawkins, Evie Ferris, and John Pearce. They’ve added a non-binary character, Shirley Shawn the Unicorn. They’ve marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Basically, they stopped being a relic of the 90s and became an active part of modern, inclusive culture.
That Time the Internet Thought it Was a Secret Code
There was a moment on social media where people genuinely thought "Friends of Dorothy Wiggles" was a secret tour name or a specific sub-group within the fan club. It wasn't. It was mostly just a clever play on words by fans who recognized that the Wiggles' "Wake Up Jeff!" energy fits surprisingly well with the campy, joyful aesthetic of Pride.
You've probably seen the edits. Someone takes a clip of Captain Feathersword and overlays it with a Lady Gaga track. It’s funny, sure. But underneath the memes, there’s a real appreciation for a group that refuses to gatekeep joy. When the Wiggles invited the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir to perform "We’re All Friends" with them, it wasn't a PR stunt. It was a full-circle moment for kids who grew up feeling "different" and now saw their childhood heroes saying, "You belong here."
The Wiggles and the "Double Life" of Children’s Entertainment
There is a long history of queer coding in kids' media. Usually, it’s unintentional. Sometimes it’s a reach. With the Wiggles, it’s less about secret messages and more about the vibe. The colorful costumes, the choreographed dancing, the theatricality—it’s adjacent to the world of drag and musical theater.
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In 2023, the Wiggles won the ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album. Let that sink in. They beat out serious indie rockers and pop stars. They did it by embracing their "Wiggly" identity while acknowledging that their original audience is now in their 20s and 30s. A lot of those original fans are now part of the LGBTQ+ community. When these fans call themselves Friends of Dorothy Wiggles, they are bridging the gap between their childhood safety and their adult identity.
Sorting Fact from TikTok Fiction
Let's clear some things up because the rumors get wild.
- Is there a "Friend of Dorothy" hidden in the lyrics? No. Most Wiggles songs are about fruit salad or hot potatoes.
- Did the Wiggles officially adopt the slogan? Not formally. They use "We're all friends," which is their brand's inclusive umbrella.
- Is the "Friends of Dorothy Wiggles" movement just a meme? Mostly, but it has real-world legs. It shows up in signboards at their "15+" shows (yes, they do those) and in the way the band interacts with fans on TikTok.
The Wiggles’ management, led by Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, has been surprisingly savvy about this. They don't shy away from the "Friends of Dorothy" association. In interviews, Field has often spoken about the Wiggles being for everyone. He’s the only original member still in the skivvy, and he’s seen the world change. He seems to get that being a "friend" to the queer community is just an extension of the kindness they've preached since 1991.
Why This Crossover Matters for 2026 and Beyond
In an era where every brand feels the need to have a "corporate Pride" strategy that usually feels hollow, the Friends of Dorothy Wiggles connection feels organic. It wasn't forced by a marketing team. It was claimed by the fans.
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It matters because it validates the idea that children's entertainment doesn't have to be "safe" by being exclusive. It can be safe by being radically kind. When the Wiggles performed at the Mardi Gras Party in Sydney, they weren't trying to be "edgy." They were just doing what they always do: singing songs about friendship. The only difference was the audience was wearing a lot more glitter.
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious Fan
If you're looking to dive deeper into this subculture or just want to understand the hype, here is how to engage without getting lost in the misinformation:
- Watch the "Like a Version" Performance: If you haven't seen the Wiggles cover "Elephant," start there. It explains the "cool" factor that fueled the modern fan base.
- Follow the New Generation: Check out the social media of the newer Wiggles, like Tsehay and John. They represent the diversity that has made the "Friends of Dorothy" connection feel so natural.
- Attend a 15+ Show: If they tour their adult-only show near you, go. It’s where the "Friends of Dorothy Wiggles" energy is most visible. It’s a space where nostalgia meets adult identity in a way that’s genuinely wholesome.
- Ignore the Conspiracy Theories: Don't look for hidden meanings in the color of the skivvies. The colors were chosen because they were the shirts the guys had in their closets back in the early 90s.
- Support the Actual History: If you love the "Friend of Dorothy" label, take ten minutes to read about the 1950s Naval investigations (the "Purple Reign" era) where the military actually tried to find "Dorothy" to arrest her friends. It puts the modern, fun usage into perspective.
The whole Friends of Dorothy Wiggles thing is basically a testament to how we carry our childhoods with us. We change, we come out, we grow up, but we still want to dance to "The Monkey Dance" with people who accept us. That’s the real "Dorothy" spirit. It isn't about a secret club; it's about making sure that even as adults, we still have a place where we can be "all friends."