With Andi Mack, Disney Channel Will Premiere Its First Gay Storyline

Disney Channel announced that its show Andi Mack will feature a coming out storyline in its second season premiere, airing Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

The series — created by Terri Minsky, known for his hit Lizzie McGuire — centers around Andi, a 13-year-old girl. It was the number one series this year among American girls, as well as the top series on Disney Channel UK. In Friday's episode, Andi's best friend, Cyrus, realizes he has feelings for another boy and comes out to his friends. This will be the first time the channel has featured a queer character.

"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," Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD CEO and president, 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."

There has been much fan speculation in the upcoming months that Cyrus is gay, including numerous fan videos, such as the one included below.