Disney Channel’s first gay character makes debut

A PROGRAMME aimed at teenagers will become the first in the Disney Channel’s history to include a storyline with a gay character.

Disney Channel comedy- drama Andi Mack, which debuted earlier this year and follows a 13-year-old as she grows up, will include the storyline in its second season.

The first episode will see the titular character awkwardly working through her feelings for a boy, while a male friend discovers that he also has feelings for the same boy.

The scene in which he tells one of his friends about his feelings is intended to serve as a positive role model for both the young audience and older viewers.

A Disney Channel spokesman told US entertainment website People: ‘Andi Mack is a story about “tweens” figuring out who they are.’

They added that the show’s creator Terri Minsky – who was behind hit teen series Lizzie McGuire – along with the cast and everyone involved in the show took ‘great care in ensuring that it’s appropriate for all audiences’ and sends a positive message about ‘inclusion and respect for humanity.’

The Disney Channel worked on the storyline with LGBT groups and review organisation Common Sense Media.

Dr Jaime M Grant, executive director of PFLAG national, which supports the LGBT community, said: ‘Sharing one’s innermost self can be challenging, and to do so as an adolescent can be particularly so, especially when in the midst of figuring it out for yourself ... Coming out requires honest self-reflection, no small amount of bravery, and a safe place.

‘Andi Mack’s creative team captures this moment of revelation with such thought, care, and authenticity.’

The episode will air in the US on Friday October 27.

The news of the Disney storyline comes as Glee creator Ryan Murphy has been revealed to have cast five transgender people in his new show Pose. According to magazine The Hollywood Reporter, this is the most ever cast in a scripted Tv series.