Arts & Entertainment
‘Andi Mack’ makes Disney Channel history with first character to say ‘I’m gay’
The moment is based on the writer’s own coming out story
Disney Channel’s “Andi Mack” will air a historic episode for the channel which includes a character on its tween show “Andi
Cyrus Goodman, played by Joshua Rush, comes out to one of his best friends Jonah Beck (Asher Angel) in the episode “One in a Minyan.” When Cyrus’ grandmother dies he invites his friends to attend her shiva. Cyrus begins explaining to Jonah all of the food that’s been brought before making his announcement.
“I’m gay,” Cyrus tells Jonah.
Jonah responds with a smile, “Yeah? OK, cool.”
This is the first time a character has spoken the words “I’m gay” on the Disney Channel.
CYRUS GOODMAN JUST MADE DISNEY CHANNEL HISTORY pic.twitter.com/n2mtFsEIwZ
— ally ? (@easeIy) February 8, 2019
“Andi Mack” writer Jonathan Hurwitzh, who is also gay and Jewish, told GLAAD that Cyrus’ coming out story was inspired by his own real life coming out.
“In the writer’s room, I shared a personal story about how nervous I was to come out to a college friend back in 2010. While grabbing burgers one afternoon, he asked me to pass the ketchup, so I handed him the bottle while mumbling the words, ‘I’m gay.’ He looked up at me, said ‘Cool,’ then proceeded to put ketchup on his burger as if I hadn’t just revealed my most personal, deepest truth. I remember thinking: ‘That’s it?! After a ten-year journey to come out to myself, I finally come out to my friend and all I get is a ‘Cool?!’ But what I ultimately realized was that my friends and family loved me unconditionally before I’d even learned to truly love myself,”
Rush praised the show for the way it handled his character’s coming out moment.
“Every day is a blessing working on this show. This milestone is just another stitch in a rich and vibrant tapestry that is Cyrus Goodman,” Rush tweeted.
Every day is a blessing working on this show. This milestone is just another stitch in a rich and vibrant tapestry that is Cyrus Goodman. https://t.co/dTSBdop7UJ
— joshua rush (@JoshuaRush) February 8, 2019
Cyrus’ storyline was met with warm reception from some fans excited to see LGBTQ representation on Disney Channel.
CYRUS GOODMAN REALLY JUST CAME OUT TO HIS FORMER CRUSH USING THE WORDS “I’M GAY” ON DISNEY CHANNEL!!! pic.twitter.com/MiCkSi3J9Z
— ally ? (@easeIy) February 8, 2019
Cyrus Goodman is the first gay character with a coming out storyline on Disney Channel. He just made history again by using the words "I'm gay" on the show.
— watch andi mack on disney channel, it's gay (@sadieannerue) February 8, 2019
His journey has been so important and validating, and it's not over yet. Please watch and support Andi Mack #RENEWANDIMACK pic.twitter.com/eSbyiVYLKx
The episode airs on Friday at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel.
Watch the “Andi Mack” cast discuss the monumental moment below.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
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Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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