Random Disney Channel Will Soon Have Its First Gay Main Character (10 items)

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  (#2) It's A Season-Long Arc

  Occasionally, shows for tween or teen audiences feature a character struggling with a major issue – drinking, drugs, an eating disorder, abuse – only to see that issue forgotten about in later episodes. Andi Mack intends to be different. Cyrus’s acceptance of his own sexuality is an ongoing plot during Season 2 .
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  (#7) One Million Moms Also Took Issue With Good Luck Charlie

  This is not the first time One Million Moms has taken issue with one of Disney Channel’s more progressive plots. In Good Luck Charlie, Disney featured an adult lesbian couple who were the mothers to a preschooler. One Million Moms accused the show of "pushing an agenda."

  Fortunately, pushback hasn’t stopped Disney from continuing to move forward with more representation on their shows.
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  (#3) Joshua Rush Is Proud To Be Playing Cyrus

  Actor Joshua Rush understands the significance of playing such a groundbreaking role on the Disney Channel. Rush took to Instagram with a message for fans:

  "Starting conversations about trust, love, relationships and family dynamics is easier when you have a show that you can relate to. 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. I’m so proud to bring Cyrus’ groundbreaking storyline to life and for you to see what we’ve been working on."
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  (#4) GLAAD Gave The Storyline Its Seal Of Approval

  GLAAD has long been an advocate for the representation of members of the LGBTQ+ community in media. The organization screened the Season 2 premiere of Andi Mack in advance, and they more than approved. Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, released a statement:

  “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.”
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  (#5) PFLAG Praised The Show

  Dr. Jaime Grant, the National Executive Director of PFLAG, released a statement about Andi Mack:

  “Sharing one’s innermost self can be challenging, and to do so as an adolescent can be particularly so, especially when in the midst of figuring it out for yourself. Coming out requires honest self reflection, no small amount of bravery, and a safe place with at least one trusted person—a friend, a parent, a teacher—who can hold your confidence... and your heart. Andi Mack’s creative team captures this moment of revelation with such thought, care, and authenticity; it will be a memory moment for some, and a teachable moment for many.”
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  (#1) This Plot Is A Huge Step Forward For The Disney Channel

  In the season two premiere of Andi Mack, Andi (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and Cyrus (Joshua Rush) realize they both have a crush on the same boy. In a dramatic scene, Cyrus voices his feeling of always knowing he was different.

  Because the demographic for the Disney Channel skews 6–14, this is a major step forward in representation, especially for an audience at this young age. Seeing Cyrus come to terms with being attracted to other boys will help normalize being gay.

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