The Disney channel is set to air its first gay storyline where a 13-year-old embarks on a journey of self-acceptance and comes out to his friends.
Andi Mack character Cyrus Goodman—played by 15-year-old Joshua Rush—realises he has feelings for another boy, who is also the longtime crush of his best friend, Andi.
“Andi Mack is a story about ‘tweens’ figuring out who they are,” said Disney Channel in a .
“(Creator) Terri Minsky (Lizzie McGuire), 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.”
Goodman’s coming out arc will continue past this week’s season premiere as he explores and accepts his identity in future episodes.
The series has been praised by LGBT+ organisations in the United States including PFLAG and GLAAD.
"Coming out requires honest self-reflection, no small amount of bravery and a safe place with at least one trusted person,” PFLAG executive director Dr Jaime Grant.
"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.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD the new Disney storyline was an important step in LGBT+ visibility on television.
“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.
"Disney has been a leader in LGBTQ inclusion and there are so many young people who will be excited to see Cyrus’ story unfold.”
Conservative US group One Million Moms has Disney for featuring “adult content” on the kids’ network.
“One might question why Disney Channel feels the need to pursue such programming. Minsky states, ‘[The network] asked me for something different. They wanted to attract an older audience.’
“Why? What is wrong with having family-friendly content that is acceptable for all ages or even leaving a couple of networks solely for children’s entertainment?
"Disney Channel is gradually becoming another Freeform Network. As one of only a few channels catering to children, it cannot possibly be that Disney Channel has a financial need for more adult viewers.
“By choosing to abandon family-friendly entertainment, Disney’s inexplicable choice to move toward more 'adult' fare may ultimately prove to be a huge mistake."
While it’s the first dedicated storyline that meaningfully explores a coming out story, Disney channel shows have increasingly featured LGBT+ families and characters.
Earlier this year, Disney cartoon Doc McStuffins —voiced by Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi.
