Tween TV program Andi Mack has just become the first program on the Disney Channel to air a coming out storyline—and has been widely praised for the way the scene was written.
The season two premiere showed 13-year-old character Cyrus—played by Joshua Rush— sharing his feelings about his identity with his friend Buffy (Sofia Wylie).
“Last night, when we were watching Andi and Jonah, you asked me am I happy for Andi, and I said: ‘Yes, I’m happy for Andi’,” Cyrus tells her.
“But I’m also not happy.”
“How come?” asks Buffy. “Are you jealous?”
Clearly upset, Cyrus nods.
“Cyrus, do you like Andi?” Buffy asks.
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He shakes his head, mouthing the word: ‘No’.
“You like Jonah,” Buffy realises.
Cyrus confides in his friend that he feels “weird, different”.
“Cyrus, you’ve always been weird, but you’re no different,” Buffy tells him. “You’ll be okay. I promise,” she adds.
Fans of Andi Mack have overwhelmingly applauded Disney for representing LGBT+ teenagers, particularly in a show that’s all about discovering your true identity.
One Twitter user said that the episode had inspired them to come out to their best friend writing, "Thx you Joshua for the character you play to inspire others."
GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis commented ahead of the season two premiere, saying that queer teenagers deserved to see themselves on TV shows.
“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 favourite shows."
