In a year of bold pop-culture moves, the latest comes to us from the Disney Channel! The hit sitcom, Andi Mack, will introduce the network’s first LGBTQ character.

In season one, 13-year old Andi Mack, learns her older sister Bex is actually her mother, and that her mother Celia is her grandmother. Helping her deal with this identity crisis and her crush on classmate Jonah, are her friends, Cyrus and Buffy. In a surprise twist in the finale of Season 1, it was revealed that Andi’s BFF Cyrus has a crush on Jonah, too. In Season 2, which premieres this Friday, Cyrus will grow as he becomes comfortable with his sexuality, and figures out to how to tell his girlfriend that he’s gay. Joshua Rush, who plays Cyrus, spoke of his support for the new plot in an Instagram post where he said, “Starting conversations about trust, love, relationships and family dynamics is easier when you have a show that you can relate to.”

In the past, Disney Channel has erred on the side of caution when it comes to certain topics like LGBTQ characters, and faced complaints for not being progressive enough with their storylines. With a main character coming out, people are applauding the decision and are quite pleased that Cyrus’ character will represent what many LGTBQ teens go through.

We dare eagerly anticipating tonight’s premiere and looking forward to cheering Cyrus on as he announces he is gay, and has a crush on the same guy as his best friend Andi.

if you are looking for books on teens coming out, theare are worthwhile reads:

The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater

The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd

Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta

Guapa by Saleem Haddad

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera.

‘Andi Mack’ Season 2 airs on Fridays at 8PM EST on Disney Channel. Check your local listings for details.

https://youtu.be/08wQGEngPFE