Disney Channel is no stranger to working LGBTQ+ characters into the story lines of their hit shows. This year alone queer moms were the focus of Disney Junior’s “Doc McStuffins” along with same-sex kissing couples on the Disney XD show “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.” While Disney has featured queer guests, no LGBTQ+ person, relationship or coming out story has ever been the focal point of a Disney series until now. Disney Channel series “Andi Mack” will be navigating waters a Disney series never has before, chronicling the coming out story of one of the show’s teenage characters.
“Andi Mack” is known for covering topics not typically featured in child and young adult programming. The series centers around Andi Mack, a girl whose life changes forever on her 13th birthday when the secret comes out that the people she thinks are her parents, raising her her entire life, are actually her grandparents Furthermore, Andi discovers her hip and cool older sister, Bex, is in fact her biological mother who gave birth to her as a teenager and entrusted Andi’s care to her mother.
Throughout the first season Andi is involved in many coming-of-age stories including spending time with her two best friends Cyrus and Buffy, meeting her biological father for the first time, creating a relationship with him and figuring out what it means to have a crush on a boy with a jealous girlfriend. As season 2 begins, “Andi Mack” will showcase Cyrus’ coming out story. Cyrus is portrayed by actor Joshua Rush, who took to Instagram to share his excitement over the impact of his character’s storyline.
“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 CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “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.”
Cyrus’ story will be featured in the “Andi Mack” season premiere as he struggles with romantic his feelings toward Jonah, the same boy Andi has a crush on, and what this will mean for him and the girl he has begun dating.
Season 2 of “Andi Mack” premieres tonight at 8 p.m. EST on Disney Channel.
