If you’ve spent more than five minutes around a toddler lately, you know the pink headband. You know the overalls. You definitely know the "icky sticky bubble gum" song. Rachel Griffin Accurso—better known to millions as Ms. Rachel—is basically the patron saint of modern parenting. But lately, the internet's been buzzing with a question that seems to pop up every time she posts a new video: is Ms Rachel gay?
It’s a funny thing how the internet works. One minute you’re teaching a two-year-old how to say "mama," and the next, you’re the center of a massive cultural debate about identity and values.
The short answer? No. Rachel Accurso is not gay.
She’s actually been married to her husband, Aron Accurso, since 2016. They’re a total power couple in the world of children's media. Aron isn't just "the husband" in the background, either. He’s a heavyweight Broadway composer and director who has worked on massive shows like Aladdin and Nice Work If You Can Get It. He’s the guy behind the piano, the one co-writing the catchy tunes that get stuck in your head for three days straight. They met at a Unitarian church in New York City back in 2010 and have two children together—their son Thomas, who was the original inspiration for Songs for Littles, and their daughter Susannah, who they welcomed via surrogate in early 2025.
So, where did the "is Ms Rachel gay" rumor even come from?
The Pride Video and the Jules Hoffman Connection
Honestly, most of the confusion stems from her fierce, unapologetic allyship. Rachel doesn't just "tolerate" the LGBTQ+ community; she celebrates them. In June 2024, she posted a TikTok wishing everyone a Happy Pride. She wore a rainbow-striped shirt. She told her followers, "I'm so glad you're exactly who you are."
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For some parents, this was a bridge too far.
Conservative figures like Charlie Kirk and Matt Walsh went on the offensive, calling for boycotts and claiming she was "indoctrinating" children. Rachel’s response was classic Ms. Rachel: calm, firm, and rooted in her faith. She basically said that as a Christian, she believes in loving your neighbor without exceptions. She’s been very clear that her "classroom" is a place where every family—whether they have two moms, two dads, or a nonbinary parent—is welcome.
Then there’s Jules Hoffman.
Jules is a key member of the Songs for Littles cast and a fan favorite. They are also openly nonbinary and use they/them pronouns. Because Jules is such a prominent part of the show and identifies as queer, some people have mistakenly projected that identity onto Rachel herself. In the world of celebrity rumors, "supporting the community" often gets mistranslated into "being part of the community."
Why the Rumors Persist in 2026
Even now, in early 2026, the searches for "is Ms Rachel gay" haven't slowed down. It's partly because she continues to double down on her inclusive message. Just last month, in December 2025, she reaffirmed her stance on Instagram, saying that inclusion is central to both her teaching and her soul.
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People tend to put others in boxes. If you don't fit the stereotypical mold of a "traditional" children's presenter, or if you speak out for marginalized groups, people start guessing about your personal life. Rachel occupies a unique space: she’s a devout Christian who lives in New York City, works with Broadway talent, and champions progressive social values. That mix confuses people who think you have to choose one "side" or the other.
A Family Business Built on Inclusion
If you look at the actual facts of her life, it's pretty straightforward. Rachel and Aron are partners in every sense of the word. They started the channel because their son had a speech delay and they couldn't find the right resources to help him. They took their professional skills—her master’s degrees in education and his musical genius—and built a billion-view empire from their living room.
They’ve been through a lot together:
- The 2023 Mental Health Break: Rachel briefly left social media after the backlash against Jules Hoffman became too toxic.
- The Surrogacy Journey: They’ve been open about the medical reasons they chose surrogacy for their second child, Susannah, in 2025.
- The Netflix Deal: Despite the boycott attempts, they recently signed a massive deal to bring their content to even more families.
It’s easy to see why people get curious. She’s private about her personal life but very public about her values. When she talks about love and "loving your neighbor," she isn't just reading from a script. She’s talking about the way she runs her business and her life.
Clearing Up the Misconceptions
Let’s be real—the "is Ms Rachel gay" question is often asked by people looking for a reason to either support her or cancel her. But your sexual orientation and your stance on human rights are two different things. Rachel has proven that you can be a straight, married woman and still be a massive advocate for the queer community.
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Some people think that if she isn't gay, she shouldn't be talking about Pride. Others think if she talks about Pride, she must be gay. Both are wrong. She’s just a teacher who thinks every kid deserves to feel seen.
If you’re a parent trying to navigate the "controversy," here’s the bottom line: Ms. Rachel is a straight woman, married to a man, raising two kids, and she happens to think that gay and trans people deserve respect and love.
What You Should Actually Know
Instead of worrying about her labels, most parents find it more useful to look at the educational value she provides. The techniques she uses—parentese, gesturing, and specific speech therapy methods—are backed by actual science.
If you're still curious about the people behind the show, here’s a quick rundown of the facts:
- Rachel Accurso: Straight, married to Aron Accurso, two children.
- Aron Accurso: Her husband, the "Mr. Aron" you see on screen sometimes, and the primary composer.
- Jules Hoffman: Nonbinary co-star, queer, and a major reason why the show is so inclusive.
The beauty of Songs for Littles is that it reflects the real world. In the real world, people have different identities and different families. Rachel’s goal has always been to make sure no child feels like an "other" before they’ve even learned to tie their shoes.
Whether she's singing about a "tiny turtle" or wishing someone a Happy Pride, she’s doing it from a place of radical kindness. You don't have to be gay to believe in that. You just have to be human.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into how her show actually helps with development, focus on the "Learning to Talk" series. That’s where the real magic happens, regardless of the headlines or the rumors. You can also check out Jules Hoffman’s independent music if you want to support the artists who make the show what it is.