Arts & Entertainment
‘Andi Mack’ makes Disney Channel history with first character to say ‘I’m gay’
The moment is based on the writer’s own coming out story
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Disney Channel’s “Andi Mack” will air a historic episode for the channel which includes a character on its tween show “Andi
Cyrus Goodman, played by Joshua Rush, comes out to one of his best friends Jonah Beck (Asher Angel) in the episode “One in a Minyan.ā When Cyrus’ grandmother dies he invites his friends to attend her shiva. Cyrus begins explaining to Jonah all of the food that’s been brought before making his announcement.
“I’m gay,” Cyrus tells Jonah.
Jonah responds with a smile, “Yeah? OK, cool.”
This is the first time a character has spoken the words “I’m gay” on the Disney Channel.
CYRUS GOODMAN JUST MADE DISNEY CHANNEL HISTORY pic.twitter.com/n2mtFsEIwZ
— ally ? (@easeIy) February 8, 2019
“Andi Mack” writer Jonathan Hurwitzh, who is also gay and Jewish, told GLAAD that Cyrus’ coming out story was inspired by his own real life coming out.
“In the writerās room, I shared a personal story about how nervous I was to come out to a college friend back in 2010. While grabbing burgers one afternoon, he asked me to pass the ketchup, so I handed him the bottle while mumbling the words, ‘Iām gay.’ He looked up at me, said ‘Cool,’ then proceeded to put ketchup on his burger as if I hadnāt just revealed my most personal, deepest truth. I remember thinking: ‘Thatās it?! After a ten-year journey to come out to myself, I finally come out to my friend and all I get is a āCool?!ā But what I ultimately realized was that my friends and family loved me unconditionally before Iād even learned to truly love myself,”
Rush praised the show for the way it handled his character’s coming out moment.
“Every day is a blessing working on this show. This milestone is just another stitch in a rich and vibrant tapestry that is Cyrus Goodman,” Rush tweeted.
Every day is a blessing working on this show. This milestone is just another stitch in a rich and vibrant tapestry that is Cyrus Goodman. https://t.co/dTSBdop7UJ
— joshua rush (@JoshuaRush) February 8, 2019
Cyrus’ storyline was met with warm reception from some fans excited to see LGBTQ representation on Disney Channel.
CYRUS GOODMAN REALLY JUST CAME OUT TO HIS FORMER CRUSH USING THE WORDS āIāM GAYā ON DISNEY CHANNEL!!! pic.twitter.com/MiCkSi3J9Z
— ally ? (@easeIy) February 8, 2019
Cyrus Goodman is the first gay character with a coming out storyline on Disney Channel. He just made history again by using the words "I'm gay" on the show.
— watch andi mack on disney channel, it's gay (@sadieannerue) February 8, 2019
His journey has been so important and validating, and it's not over yet. Please watch and support Andi Mack #RENEWANDIMACK pic.twitter.com/eSbyiVYLKx
The episode airs on Friday at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel.
Watch the “Andi Mack” cast discuss the monumental moment below.
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The 2024 New York City Pride Parade wound through the streets of Manhattan and past the historic Stonewall Inn on Sunday, June 30.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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The fourth annual Fredericksburg Pride march and festival was held at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg, Va. on Saturday, June 29. The event began with a march around downtown Fredericksburg beginning and ending in the park.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Covering Fredericksburg Pride for @WashBlade . City Council member @WillMackintosh speaking: pic.twitter.com/tDdVD2IVsM
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) June 29, 2024
Photos
PHOTOS: Goodwin Living Pride
Senior living and healthcare organization holds fourth annual march at Falls Church campus
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The senior living and healthcare organization Goodwin Living held its fourth annual community Pride march around its Bailey’s Crossroads campus in Falls Church, Va. with residents, friends and supporters on Tuesday, June 25. Following the march, a drag brunch was held with performances by drag artists of SADBrunch: Crimsyn, Sapphire Dupree and Evon Dior Michelle.
(Photos courtesy of Goodwin Living)
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