Disney Channel 'tween' show to feature main character coming out as gay — a first for the network

Disney Channel's tween show "Andi Mack" will feature a main character coming out as gay — a first for the network, ABC News reported.

What's the lowdown?

• Cyrus, played by Joshua Rush, has feelings for Jonah, played by Asher Angel.
• The season 2 premiere episode of the coming-of-age show will run with that story line — and Cyrus will come out as gay to one of his best friends, Buffy, played by Sofia Wylie, ABC News said.
• Disney said Buffy's response "makes for positive role models for kids and adult viewers," ABC News added.

What is Disney saying?

• Disney said in a Tuesday statement that "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."
• ABC News said that while Disney Channel has depicted same-sex relationships in other shows, this marks the first time Disney Channel has run with a story line about a character's "journey to self-acceptance as a gay person."
• Disney said child development experts consulted on the episode, and it was advance screened for organizations such as GLAAD.

When is the episode airing?

• The episode airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

Here's another sneak peek clip for season 2. It shows Cyrus trying to skateboard as Jonah looks on: