Cyrus Comes Out On the Disney Channel's Andi Mack

Disney Channel Photo

From Variety:

The Disney Channel series Andi Mack will reveal that one of the main characters is gay in the upcoming Season 2 premiere.

The second season premiere depicts one of Andi’s two best friends, 13-year-old Cyrus (Joshua Rush), as he’s beginning to realize that he also has feelings for Andi’s crush, Jonah Beck. In subsequent episodes, Cyrus begins to understand himself and grapples with how to tell his new girlfriend. He finds he can count on supportive friends Buffy and Andi who, as teenagers, are also on a journey to self-discovery. This realization begins an important part of his journey to self-discovery as a gay individual and ultimately, his self-acceptance. The story arc marks a first for Disney Channel, as it will be the first time the channel has depicted a character’s journey to discovering they are gay.

The storyline was met with praise by LGBTQ groups, who were allowed to screen the premiere in advance.

“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,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “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.”

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