Disney Channel to feature network’s first gay story line

The upcoming second season of the Disney Channel series Andi Mack will mark the first time the network has created a story line in which a character realizes he is gay.

The story arc will involve Cyrus Goodman (played by Joshua Rush), who discovers he has feelings for another male character.

‘The Disney brand has always been inclusive, with stories that reflect acceptance and tolerance and celebrate the differences that make our characters uniquely wonderful in their own way,’ the Walt Disney company said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.  

Milestone: The upcoming second season of the Disney Channel series Andi Mack will mark the first time the network has created a story line in which a character realizes he’s gay (L to R Joshua Rush, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Sofia Wylie)

In the story, Cyrus begins to have a crush on Jonah Beck (Asher Angel), who also happens to be the same boy their mutual friend, Andi Mack, is pining for.

Cyrus shares his feelings for Jonah with his good friend Buffy (Sofia Wylie), who becomes his supportive shoulder to lean on. 

Cyrus’ understanding of his sexuality will be a story that continues throughout the series.

‘We constantly strive to live up to that legacy by continuing to create and share compelling storylines from our studios and media networks that entertain with inspirational and aspirational themes and reflect the incredibly rich diversity of the human experience,’ the statement from the Walt Disney company continued. 

Plot thickens: In the story, Cyrus discovers he has a crush on Jonah Beck (Asher Angel), who also happens to be the same boy their mutual friend, Andi Mack, is pining for

Plot thickens: In the story, Cyrus discovers he has a crush on Jonah Beck (Asher Angel), who also happens to be the same boy their mutual friend, Andi Mack, is pining for

‘Our stories are timeless because they speak to the heart; 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. Disney remains committed to continuing to create characters that are accessible and related to all children.’   

Common Sense Media, GLAAD, and PFLAG were among the organizations that were given an advance screening of the season premiere episode, according to EW.

The story line was even created with the help of child development experts.

Rave reviews: GLAAD praised the network in a statement, with the organization's President and CEO, Kate Ellis, saying: 'With more and more young people coming out as LGBTQ, "Andi Mack" is reflecting the lives and lived experiences of so many LGBTQ youth around the country

Rave reviews: GLAAD praised the network in a statement, with the organization’s President and CEO, Kate Ellis, saying: ‘With more and more young people coming out as LGBTQ, “Andi Mack” is reflecting the lives and lived experiences of so many LGBTQ youth around the country

GLAAD praised the network in a statement, with the organization’s President and CEO, Kate Ellis, saying: ‘With more and more young people coming out as LGBTQ, “Andi Mack” is reflecting the lives and lived experiences of so many LGBTQ youth around the country.

‘Television reflects the real life world and today that includes LGBTQ youth who deserve to see their lives depicted on their favorite shows. Disney has been a leader in LGBTQ inclusion and there are so many young people who will be excited to see Cyrus’ story unfold,’ Kate said in a statement provided to Variety.

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

Disney previously featured their first same-sex kiss on an episode of Star vs. the Forces of Evil, an animated series on Disney XD.

Andi Mack stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as the title character, along with Asher Angel and Lilan Bowden. 

The upcoming season premiere of the series will debut Friday at 8pm.

Coming soon: The upcoming season premiere of the series will debut Friday at 8pm

Coming soon: The upcoming season premiere of the series will debut Friday at 8pm

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