Disney Actor Shuts Down Hater For Trolling Gay Character's Coming Out

Joshua Ross (second from right) plays 'Cyrus' on Disney's "Andi Mack"

Earlier this month, I reported that, for the first time, a Disney character had said the words, “I’m gay.”

The moment took place during an episode of the popular Disney Channel series, Andi Mack, when one of the lead characters (Cyrus played by Joshua Rush) came out to his former crush.

The series, Disney’s first to feature a coming out story, has won widespread acclaim and been honored at the GLAAD Media Awards for ‘Outstanding Kids and Family Programming.

This being 2019, however, we do still have to deal with the trolls and haters on social media who can’t stop themselves from bringing darkness to light.

One user criticized the storyline, tweeting to Rush, Disney and the series’ Twitter accounts, “I am very disappointed in the way this show has been directed there are some very good messages through this show for it’s young audience, but introducing gays is a very poor example to the young adults watching this show. Poor choice Disney.”

Rush didn’t hesitate in clapping back at the troll.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” wrote the 17-year-old actor. “Here's the thing though: gay kids are gonna exist no matter whether you like it or not. And we need to support and love all kids in every way we can.”

“So when someone realizes they are gay, I want them to identify with something so they're not alone,” he added.

I'm sorry you feel that way. Here's the thing though: gay kids are gonna exist no matter whether you like it or not. And we need to support and love all kids in every way we can. So when someone realizes they are gay, I want them to identify with something so they're not alone. https://t.co/Jnt6w5j0Yf

— joshua rush (@JoshuaRush) February 17, 2019

Rush also shared a screen capture of the hater’s tweet, which had been deleted, telling the hater, “The internet is forever, you can’t delete a tweet and expect it to be gone lol.”

He added, “It’s fine to have your opinion but we’re just trying to explain how an opinion like that - one that supports LGBTQ+ kids not having a voice - can be really damaging.”

It's fine to have your opinion but we're just trying to explain how an opinion like that–one that supports LGBTQ+ kids not having a voice–can be really damaging.

— joshua rush (@JoshuaRush) February 17, 2019

Rush’s calm and thoughtful responses were immediately flooded with support and love by his fans.

And the crowd goes wild!!! Yay!!!

It is an embarrassment that a young man makes more sense than an “adult”. Your thoughtfulness and kindness are appreciated, I wish I had such a good role model when I was in middle school. Success to you in all you do.

— Wynnona the Wyse Cat (@wynonnathewyse) February 18, 2019

Josh I love the way you responded to that tweet. You responded with the facts, but politely ( not that I would expect any rudeness to come from you ) and I love that. Letting people know they’re incorrect but not being harsh about it is great. I love uuuu

— nicole (@tjstyrus) February 17, 2019

You and this show are doing so much for the LGBTQ+ community. Probably more than you even realize honestly. Your character alone may have saved lives just by existing.

— it’s gilderoy (@stirfryedshana) February 17, 2019

If anyone tries to censored gay characters shame on them I'm gay and seeing things like andi mack with cyrus coming out as gay is truly inspirational

— Brandon Prime (@brandonprimeuk) February 18, 2019

You see this is why Disney chose you, because you understand.

— FRVR (@LewyByrne) February 17, 2019

I’ve been not straight for a very long time. I wish I would have had a show like this when I was younger. I would’ve realized way before I was 20 that what I felt wasn’t bad. What you and this show are doing is amazing. I’m proud of all of you. Love always.

— tessa{50} (@nicebergtj) February 17, 2019

i look at ur tweets sometimes and have no other words than just thank you. so thank you, so much for everything

— sky (@undothebrain) February 17, 2019

Rest assured that the vast majority of the fans love and support you to the moon and back we are so so proud of you and the rest of the cast and production team of this amazing show

— Elise (@StarkidFanEli) February 17, 2019

i love the way u use ur impact honey ur such a role model

— julieta (@flawlessgoodman) February 17, 2019

Disney Channel Has Its First Character To Say The Words "I'm Gay"

Joshua Rush in the Disney Channel series, 'Andi Mack'
(screen capture)

In 2017, the popular Disney Channel series Andi Mack announced the show would feature a gay story arc - a first for the channel.

More history was made yesterday when the character of Cyrus Goodman (played by Joshua Rush) became the first Disney character to ever say the words, "I'm gay."

In the episode titled, “One in a Minyan,” the show’s principal characters are at the shiva of Goodman’s grandmother.

Helping to explain some of the Jewish dishes at the buffet, Goodman points out kuegel, bagels and lox, and gefilte fish before ending his list by telling the character of Jonah Beck, his former crush, "I'm gay."

“Yeah?” Beck replies. “Cool.”

And, life went on - just as it should.

(photo: Disney ABC)

The writer of the episode, Jonathan Hurwitz, wrote in a guest post for GLAAD that the inspiration for the moment came from his own coming out process back in 2010 with a college friend.

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 took to Twitter to share his pride, writing,“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.”

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

News Round-Up: November 8, 2017

Out Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy is having Aruba moments

Some news items you might have missed:

• Out Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy (above) is having an Aruba moment. #jealous

• I usually think of Wednesday as "Hump Day" ("Hunk Day" works, too). But kenneth-in-the-212 celebrates "Wrestling Wednesdays." Hit the link for lots of wrestlers in their singlets.

• Disney Channel has pulled TV series Andi Mack in Africa due to a featured coming-out story.

• Sir Ian McKellen would rather be remembered for his LGBT activism than his acting. I'm betting it will be for both.

• Sixteen-year-old Jordan Marin-Doan set fire to his adoptive gay dads' house hoping to land a prison cell next to his biological dad. One of his adoptive dads died helping the rest of his family escape the fire.

• Anti-gay marriage county clerk Kim Davis is running for reelection in Kentucky after costing her state over $200,000 in legal fees for not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

• And how about one more from gorgeous Gus Kenworthy? This is from a photo shoot for Gio Magazine.

View this post on Instagram

Last night I shot with one of my favorite photographers in the world, @johnrussophoto! The first pic is an outtake for @gio_magazine and the second one is an outtake for the @manofmetropolis cover! Stay tuned for pics that actually made the cut! Thanks John!!! 🖤

A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy) on Nov 17, 2017 at 8:36pm PST

Video: Sensitive Coming Out Moment On Season Premiere Of Disney Channel's "Andi Mack"

Last week I reported on the upcoming "coming out" storyline for the Disney Channel's Andi Mack series.

On the season 2 premiere last Friday, audiences were touched by this sensitive moment when series regular "Cyrus" (played by Joshua Rush) confides in his friend "Buffy" (Sofia Wyle) that he is conflicted by his feelings of jealousy.

"Jonah" (Asher Angel) and "Andi" (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) have just begun officially dating, and Cyrus is at odds with the news.

“How come? Are you jealous, Cyrus? Do you like Andi?” Buffy asks.

“No,” he says, quietly looking away.

“You like Jonah?” she asks.

Cyrus nods, tentative in admitting his feelings. “Buffy, I feel weird. Different.”

Cyrus will explore his burgeoning sexuality over the course of season 2, as well as journey through the dreaded coming out process so many LGBTs experience in our early teen years.

This is the Disney Channel's first series to have an openly gay series regular. Andi Mack is currently the most popular series on the network among young girls.

Watch below.

Never thought I would see the see the day that Disney channel of all networks would have a gay character and story. Kudos. #AndiMack pic.twitter.com/LavwBt7ql2

— Franky (@RKOBlackSwan) October 28, 2017

"One Million Moms" Attacks Disney Channel Over Gay Crush Storyline

Right on cue.

Earlier today I reported about the upcoming LGBTQ storyline to be featured on the Disney Channel show, Andi Mack.

Among other storylines, the show will chronicle a school boy's first crush on another male student.

Well, you knew those hideous "One Million Moms" folks would get in an uproar.

Via email:

Alerting all parents! Additional controversial content will be included in the Disney Channel show “Andi Mack” during season two, premiering Friday, October 27, at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT. 1MM earlier warned parents this program is not suitable for a kids’ network, and now the show is introducing the network’s first gay character.

In a first for the Disney Channel, the show “Andi Mack” will spend an hour focusing on one of the main characters coming out as gay. Young teen Cyrus Goodman is a key member in the program’s cast. During the season two premiere, he’ll make Disney Channel history as he grapples with his feelings for another boy. And in subsequent episodes, he’ll work these feelings out along with having a new girlfriend.

By choosing to abandon family-friendly entertainment, Disney’s inexplicable choice to move toward more “adult” fare may ultimately prove to be a huge mistake. Disney’s first gay kiss aired earlier this year on Disney XD’s animated series “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.” The scene took place at a concert where the band played a romantic tune that inspired many couples in the audience to kiss; a few of those couples — none of which involved a main character — were same s*x.

The Disney Channel is deliberately choosing to “move forward” and promote adult content to children. By choosing to move in the direction of more “adult” stories and content, the Disney Channel – and the entire Disney media empire – may be choosing to sacrifice something far more precious… children’s innocence.

You know, these folks would have no problem with a storyline of a teen girl experiencing her first crush on a boy at school.

The fact of the matter is: young, emerging gays experience first crushes and brushes with affection just like everyone else. It's a natural part of life.

Kids aren't confused about "the gay thing" other than why bigoted grown-ups are apoplectic about it.