Disney Channel Introduces First Gay Character

Source: Disney Channel

The Disney Channel has introduced their first gay character on one of their network’s shows.

In the season premiere of #AndiMack, a teen girl and her friends model inclusion and respect for others. Friday 8:00 p.m. pic.twitter.com/qWOsnGf7fT

— Disney Channel PR (@DisneyChannelPR) October 25, 2017

Andi Mack, which is created by Lizzie McGuire creator Terri Minsky, features a group of four tweens and documents their lives as they figure out who they are in life.

And this is why we love #AndiMack not sugarcoating a thing, bringing light to teen pregnancy, being black and now LGBT. Such a great show!

— WGW (@TiyahTirvana) October 26, 2017

One of those characters is a teen named Cyrus Goodman, played by actor Joshua Rush. In the season two premier he grapples with feelings he has for another boy in their circle – a first for Disney.

THIS WILL BE THE BEST SCENE THAT DISNEY CHANNEL HAS EVER AIRED #AndiMack pic.twitter.com/hLGNp4kwJ1

— Yasmim TOMORROW (@withmyseries) October 25, 2017

“Andi Mack is a story about ‘tweens’ figuring out who they are,” a statement from the Disney Channel read. “Terri Minsky, the cast and everyone involved in the show takes great care in ensuring that it’s appropriate for all audiences and sends a powerful message about inclusion and respect for humanity.”

The Walt Disney Co. also issued a statement, saying in part, “Our characters appeal to children across gender, ability, and experience because they’re defined by kindness, loyalty, humor, courage, wit and other traits that make a good friend.”

One more day. ONE. #Season2Premiere #AndiMack pic.twitter.com/8EP4kS66ec

— Disney Channel (@DisneyChannel) October 26, 2017

Season two of Andi Mack premiers on Friday.