Disney Channel show makes history with first LGBTQ storyline
by Elaina Finkelstein/ABC7 Friday, October 27th 2017
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Disney Channel’s “Andi Mack” is reported to feature a coming-out story about a boy character named Cyrus in the season 2 premiere, Friday.
Disney Channel has suggested same-sex relationships and gay characters in some shows, but this is the first time that the viewer will watch the journey of a character discovering who they are as a gay individual.
Terri Minsky, the creator of Lizzie McGuire, wrote “Andi Mack” as a comedic drama following a 13-year-old’s journey through adolescence after finding out that her mother is actually her grandmother, and her sister is her real mother.
“‘Andi Mack’ is a story about tweens figuring out who they are,” Disney Channel said in a statement on Tuesday. “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.”
Josh Rush, who plays the character of Cyrus, says he’s proud to bring his character’s storyline to life:
“Andi Mack gives young people and their parents, mentors, and champions a meaningful way to talk about these topics and the power to decide their futures,” Rush wrote.
The season 2 premiere of “Andi Mack” airs on Friday, Oct. 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.