About

Simpsons Then vs. Simpsons Now, also known as X Then vs. X Now or Mmm X / Mmm Penis, refers to a phrasal template and exploitable image macro format used in a series of memes that post-ironically mocks LGBTQ+ representation on TV shows, movies, games or anime. It often depicts a two-panel comparison, one with a character, show or company in the past, and one implying they have "turned gay" in the present, usually during Pride Month. The meme implies that the current version of the show or character is influenced by a "woke agenda" and was originally posted on Reddit in August 2022, becoming popularized as an exploitable format on Twitter / X and Instagram in the following years, especially during June's Pride Month celebrations.

Origin

On August 29th, 2022, Redditor u/____okay uploaded the earliest known version of the Simpsons Then vs. Simpsons Now meme to the /r/ComedyHell^[1] subreddit channel. The image features two-panels, one image showing Homer eating a donut on the "then" section and a version of the character wearing a rainbow T-shirt with the text bubble "mmm…Penis" in the "now" side of the panel. The meme (seen below) amassed more than 1,100 upvotes and 20 comments in three years.

Spread

Over the next few years, and especially during June's Pride Month celebrations, the meme evolved into an exploitable and phrasal template in which netizens added other characters or internet personalities as a form of ironic mockery towards the LGBTQ+ celebration month.

For instance, on June 1st, 2025, X^[2] user @AriTheDumb posted an ironic version of the meme, writing "Bees Then / Bees Now," adding the caption "Utter WOKE nonsense." The tweet (seen below) received more than 4 million views and 221,000 likes in two days.

On the same day, X^[3] user @gregthesorcerer posted a version of the Saruman Magically Summoning meme with the text "Wizards Then / Wizards Now." The post (seen below) received more than 3 million views and 131,000 likes in two days.

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References