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Disney Channel's First Gay Storyline Is the Representation I Wish I Had as a Kid
Andi Mack premiered last friday and people are losing it.
Last week, Disney Channel announced that the network's first openly gay storyline would premiere on season 2 of Andi Mack. The episode premiered last Friday night, with Cyrus (Joshua Rush) developing complicated feelings for his friend, Jonah (Asher Angel), and it is relatable AF.
The episode has begun to surface online and it's stirring up a whirlwind of emotions from LGBT people everywhere.
\u201cthings disney channel did: THAT!!!\u201d— linds \u2661's harry (@linds \u2661's harry) 1509154232
Cyrus sits down with his friend Buffy and explains how he's feeling about his friends Andi and Jonah dating. "You asked me 'Am I happy for Andi?'" he begins. "And I said 'yes, I'm happy for Andi,' but I'm also not happy."
"Are you jealous?" replies Buffy. Cyrus nods. "Cyrus, do you like Andi?" He shakes his head. And then Buffy realizes, "You like Jonah."
Cyrus gets a little nervous with the confession, "Buffy, I feel weird. Different."
"Cyrus, you've always been weird," replies Buffy, "but you're no different."
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The two-minute clip captures many conflicting and confusing feelings LGBT youth face when they are just beginning to deal with their sexuality. Letting kids know that these feelings are normal and valid could save many from feeling like outsiders and lead to more self-acceptance and community support.
Twitter users were wildly emotional over the clip:
\u201c@sashapietrrse i\u2019m actually crying rn; the good disney we grew up on is coming back\u201d— linds \u2661's harry (@linds \u2661's harry) 1509154232
\u201call i can think about is the KIDS watching this!!!!! like just think about what this must be like for so many young lgbtq children.\u201d— linds \u2661's harry (@linds \u2661's harry) 1509154232
\u201cthey were just simply watching their favorite show and then THIS happened. for the first time ever they see a kid on tv just like them.\u201d— linds \u2661's harry (@linds \u2661's harry) 1509154232
\u201c@sashapietrrse "You've always been weird, but you're no different" I TEARED THE FUCK UP!\u201d— linds \u2661's harry (@linds \u2661's harry) 1509154232
\u201c@sashapietrrse Uhm this would've helped my younger self out so much I realize I was confused since I was 10 on who I was really\u201d— linds \u2661's harry (@linds \u2661's harry) 1509154232
Thank you Disney Channel! (Anyone else need a tissue??)
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
