Disney Channel’s Andi Mack made headlines in 2017 when it introduced a groundbreaking gay storyline.
During its second season, supporting character Cyrus Goodman (Joshua Rush) realizes he has feelings for Jonah Beck.
Over the course of the season, he confides in various people about his sexuality, including this coming out scene to his friend Buffy.
Never thought I would see the see the day that Disney channel of all networks would have a gay character and story. Kudos. #AndiMack pic.twitter.com/LavwBt7ql2
— Franky (@RKOBlackSwan) October 28, 2017
Disney character Cyrus Goodman: ‘I’m gay’
Then on Friday’s (8 February) episode, he finally says the words ‘I’m gay’ to Jonah. It’s the first time any Disney character has used the words.
It comes about in a really casual way, with Cyrus asking his friends if they have any questions about the spread of food.
Jonah says: ‘Cyrus, help! I don’t recognize any of the food here.’
Cyrus begins explaining what everything is and then at the end casually says: ‘And I’m gay.’
Jonah responds: ‘Yeah?’
Cyrus nods, then Jonah says: ‘Ok cool.’
When the coming out storyline originally came out in 2017, both Kenya and South Africa pulled the show from regular broadcasting.
Joshua Rush (who plays Cyrus) then revealed he felt pressure to play the role right.
‘I feel the pressure, and I also don’t,’ he said. ‘I think the most important thing for me when I got this part was to do it right.’
When he got the role, he spent a lot of time preparing for it. Before the big coming out scene, he revealed he and his co-star Sofia Wylie ran through it many times.
‘We put the work in, and I think it shows,’ he said.
See also:
Disney actor fired for allegedly attempting to have sex with a minor
Ellen, Jim Parsons among LGBTI winners of E! People’s Choice Awards
Cate Blanchett defends straight actors who portray gay characters