'Andi Mack' Season 2: Disney Channel Breaks Ground with First Gay Storyline

“Andi Mack” proved to be Disney Channel’s signature take on coming-of-age drama as it went on to be a huge hit after the series premiered last April. With its second season coming along, the network plans to amp things up with a progressive move for the show—introducing one of its characters as gay.
The comedic show follows the story of Andi Mack (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and her friends Cyrus Goodman (Joshua Rush), Jonah Beck (Asher Angel) and Buffy Driscoll (Sofia Wylie) as they navigate their way through the complicated stage of growing up. Of course, one of the best parts of growing up is developing crushes and falling in love.

That’s why for the premiere episode of the second season, “Andi Mack” will flesh out its first gay storyline as Cyrus finally comes out to Buffy. But that’s not just it, though, as fans will also witness how Cyrus figures out how he deals with this, especially with him having a girlfriend.

‘Jyrus’ might be a thing for ‘Andi Mack’ season 2

As Cyrus figures out the truth about his sexuality, this will also enable him to explore it. According to some fan theories and reports, a love story between Cyrus and Jonah will happen. This is something that was hinted at during the first season’s finale episode, and fans have been banking on it ever since. However, this would put some kind of a wedge between Cyrus and Andi, because she’s been having a crush on Jonah for the longest time too.
It’s a welcome feat for the network to finally introduce a gay storyline for one of its hit shows. According to a statement by Disney, Buffy’s response “makes for positive role models for kids and adult viewers.” The network also adds, “Andi Mack is a story about tweens figuring out who they are. 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.”

Though other Disney shows and movies depicted gay characters, this marks the first time that the journey to coming out will be included in a character’s narrative and will be explored fully. This also earned high praises from media organization GLAAD. “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,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “Television reflects the real life world and today that includes LGBTQ youth who deserve to see their lives depicted on their favorite 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.”
Joshua Rush, who plays Cyrus’ character, also posted a heartfelt statement on his Instagram. “Starting conversations about trust, love, relationships and family dynamics is easier when you have a show that you can relate to,” the actor said. “Andi Mack gives young people and their parents, mentors, and champions a meaningful way to talk about these topics and the power to decide their futures. I’m so proud to bring Cyrus’ groundbreaking storyline to life and for you to see what we’ve been working on.”