For its theme parks and as a company to work for, Disney often gets plaudits for its diversity and how its embraced LGBTQ inclusiveness. However, on screen it’s been rather different, with GLAAD consistently giving the company failing grades in its Studio Responsibility Report, and the likes of the Disney Channel including some very minor LGBT content in a couple of its animated shows, and nothing in its live action output.
However, that’s now changing with the announcement that Andi Mack, which has quickly become one of Disney Channels top-rated shows in both the UK and US, will include a gay storyline. Even better, it involves one of the major characters coming out, which should ensure it won’t just be a one-off that’s then forgotten in the series.
The show already raised a few eyebrows with conservatives when it debuted earlier this year, as it follows 13-year-old Andi (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), who’s coming to terms with the fact the person she thought was her her older sister is actually her biological mother. The series also charts he friendship with Cyrus Goodman (Joshua Rush) and Buffy Driscoll (Sofia Wylie), as well as Andi’s feeling for her crush, Jonah Beck (Asher Angel).
However, in Season 2, things get a tiny bit more complicated when Cyrus reveals to Buffy that he has feelings for Jonah too. He will then reportedly go on a journey of self-acceptance, which includes working out what to tell his girlfriend, Iris, about the fact he likes boys.
“Andi Mack is a story about ‘tweens’ figuring out who they are,” said Disney Channel in a statement. “[Creator] Terri Minsky, the cast and everyone involved in the show takes great care in ensuring that it’s appropriate for all audiences and sends a powerful message about inclusion and respect for humanity.”
Groups such as GLAAD and PFLAG have quickly stepped forward to support the storyline as the first example of what they hope will become increasing LGBT inclusiveness on the Disney Channel. However, it has also intevitably caused some controversy, with the likes of the anti-gay One Million Moms, calling for a boycott. However, as the show is already one of the highest rated on the Channel, it’s unlikely fringe anger will affect it that much.
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