Cyrus is gay andi mack
Home / gay topics / Cyrus is gay andi mack
This milestone is just another stitch in a rich and vibrant tapestry that is Cyrus Goodman."
#CyrusGoodman and #AndiMack became trending topics in the US the day the episode aired, and rightfully so. “That’s your classic bagel and lox. He is depicted as loyal and caring, consistently supporting his friends through crises, such as aiding Jonah Beck during a panic attack.
As he and his friend Jonah hovered over the table lined with different types of traditional Jewish dishes and treats, he explained, "That of course is Aunt Ruthy's kugel.
“Being Jewish, being 14, going to middle school, having this small, close-knit group of friends, and being gay are all just parts of his personality.”
Rush added that when he was Cyrus’ age, he was bullied a lot. "No matter how 'weird' or 'different' he feels (his words from Season One), his friends will always be right by his side, loving and supporting him."
For many, the process of coming out is as terrifying as it is exhilarating.
Cyrus finds it's the right time for him to come out to his best guy friend, Jonah, played by actor Asher Angel.
Check out the piece of Disney Channel history for yourself:
Cyrus previously came out to his friends Andi and Buffy in two separate past episodes of the show, but has never actually said the words, "I'm gay" until now.
Here's one of those scenes:
"Cyrus has taught me a lot about being comfortable with myself no matter what others think," Rush told "GMA." "I was bullied a lot at Cyrus’ age," he said, "so it's inspiring to see how Cyrus knows he doesn’t have it all figured out yet, but he isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions about who he might be and what that means for him."
In a tweet, Rush said "every day is a blessing" to be part of the show "Andi Mack." Calling the latest development with his character Cyrus, "a milestone."
Jonathan Hurwitz, who wrote this episode of "Andi Mack," entitled "One in a Minyan," shared in a blog post published by GLAAD that he was driven from personal experience to write this episode and do it right "as someone who’s Jewish, has dealt with long-term anxiety, and has come out to his friends and family."
"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.
His performance as Cyrus also marks the first portrayal of an openly gay character on Disney Channel.
“Taking on the role of Cyrus has been one of the most fun things I've ever done in my life," Rush told "GMA." "Being Jewish, being 14, going to middle school, having this small, close-knit group of friends, and being gay are all just parts of his personality," he affirmed.
The reaction to his character coming out?
"Overwhelmingly positive," he said, adding that "over the last few days I've really gotten to see the myriad of ways that both this new coming-out scene for Cyrus, and this Jewish representation of his family, has affected the fans."
In the moving scene that aired last week, Cyrus is joined by his friends at his grandmother's shiva, the first week of mourning observed by those of the Jewish faith for someone who has passed away.
On Friday's episode of the coming-of-age series, Cyrus (who is played by actor Joshua Rush) came out to his best straight male friend and former crush, Jonah Beck (Asher Angel). In October 2017, shortly after Cyrus's implied attraction to boys was revealed in the season 2 premiere, One Million Moms—a campaign affiliated with the American Family Association—initiated a petition demanding Disney cancel the show, labeling the content as promotion of homosexuality and "inappropriate" for children.[47][48] The group argued that featuring such themes normalized same-sex attraction among preteens, prompting calls for a broader boycott of Disney programming.[49]This criticism extended to experimental assessments of public attitudes, where social conservatives expressed heightened willingness to censor depictions of teen homosexuality in media like Andi Mack, viewing Cyrus's arc as an example of overreach in children's entertainment.[39] Actor Joshua Rush, who portrayed Cyrus, faced similar online harassment in February 2019, including claims that the character's storyline set a "very poor example" for kids; Rush countered by emphasizing the need for diverse representation to reflect real experiences.[50][40]Internationally, the LGBTQ elements contributed to regulatory pushback, with Andi Mack banned from broadcast in Kenya in October 2017 due to its handling of Cyrus's orientation, highlighting tensions over cultural standards for youth media.[51] Some observers and fans later critiqued the series finale in July 2019 for its subdued depiction of Cyrus's relationship with TJ Kippen—limited to hand-holding without an on-screen kiss—interpreting it as Disney's reluctance to depict explicit gay romance despite earlier progressive steps.[35][33]
The Disney Channel officially has its first-ever openly gay character.
That process is unique and different for everyone, and is sometimes met by rejection and even violence. Their partnership progresses to mutual affection, culminating in Disney Channel's first on-screen teenage same-sex couple during the series finale on July 26, 2019, highlighted by scenes of emotional reconciliation and a kiss.[14]
Role in Andi Mack
Major Storylines
Cyrus Goodman functions as a key member of the Good Hair Crew, offering unwavering support to Andi Mack and Buffy Driscoll amid the series' central family revelations and middle school challenges.[15] His early arcs emphasize group dynamics, including aiding Andi in navigating Bex's return and the ensuing household adjustments.[16]In season 1, Cyrus enthusiastically backs the Jefferson Middle School Space Otters ultimate frisbee team, assuming the role of official supporter and helping secure their inaugural win during a pivotal match.[17] He also enters a short-lived romantic relationship with Iris, facilitated by Amber at Andi's dance party in the episode "Dancing in the Dark," which strains under miscommunications, culminating in Cyrus enlisting Buffy as a stand-in date after presuming Iris has ended things.[18][16]Season 2 highlights Cyrus's creative pursuits, as he is selected to produce orientation videos for incoming students, partnering with Jonah Beck as cameraman and discovering a preference for directing over on-screen performance.[19] Later, in season 3 episodes "" (aired November 16, 2018) and "The New Girls" (aired November 30, 2018), Cyrus confronts firearm risks when TJ Kippen reveals carrying a loaded gun in his backpack for self-defense post-home invasion; Cyrus advocates for responsible disclosure to the basketball coach, fostering peer discussions on secure storage and safety protocols.[20][15]Cyrus's familial obligations feature prominently, such as observing the Jewish mourning ritual of shiva for his grandmother Bubbe Rose in the February 8, 2019, episode "One in a Minyan," where friends Andi, Buffy, and Jonah provide companionship during the seven-day period.[21][22] These threads underscore Cyrus's role in balancing personal growth with loyalty to his inner circle.[23]Coming-Out Arc
Cyrus Goodman's coming-out storyline begins in the season 2 premiere episode "Hey, Who Wants Pizza?", aired on October 27, 2017, where he confides in his friend Buffy Driscoll about his confusion over feelings for Jonah Beck, Andi's crush, marking the start of his self-discovery as having homosexual attractions.[9][23] In this episode, Cyrus tearfully admits to Buffy that he likes Jonah, receiving supportive reassurance that his feelings are valid and that she will keep it confidential.[24] The narrative portrays Cyrus grappling with internal conflict, including fears of rejection, while maintaining friendships amid the shared interest in Jonah.[25]The arc progresses in season 2, episode 13, "Cyrus' Bash-Mitzvah!", aired on February 23, 2018, during Cyrus's bar mitzvah celebration, where he discloses his feelings to Andi Mack, explaining that he understands her stress over Jonah because he shares the same affection.[5][26] Andi responds with acceptance, affirming their friendship despite the revelation, which integrates the coming-out moment with Cyrus's Jewish rite of passage.[27] This disclosure resolves immediate tensions in the group dynamic, allowing Cyrus to navigate his identity more openly among close friends without broader public confrontation at that stage.[5]In season 3, episode 11, "One in a Minyan", aired on February 8, 2019, Cyrus explicitly comes out to Jonah during a shiva for his grandmother, stating "I'm gay" after helping Jonah through a panic attack, a direct verbal affirmation absent in prior disclosures.[11][28]Jonah accepts the news positively, shifting their relationship from potential romantic tension to platonic support, enabling Cyrus to move forward in his personal growth.[29] This episode culminates the initial coming-out phase, emphasizing themes of honesty and mutual respect within the constraints of tween social circles.[11]Representation and Themes
Jewish Identity
Cyrus Goodman is portrayed as originating from a religious Jewish family, with his divorced parents—Leslie and Norman—and their respective spouses actively participating in his upbringing and milestones.[12] This background underscores a commitment to Jewish traditions amid family restructuring.A pivotal depiction of his Jewish identity occurs in the Season 2 episode "Cyrus' Bash-Mitzvah!", which aired on February 23, 2018, centering on his bar mitzvah ceremony as a rite of passage into Jewish adulthood.[26] The event involves Torah reading, family gatherings, and communal celebration, reflecting authentic Orthodox practices, with all four parental figures present to support him.[30]The series further explores Jewish customs through mourning rituals in the Season 3 episode "One in a Minyan," aired on February 8, 2019, following the death of Cyrus's grandfather.[31] Cyrus observes shiva, the seven-day mourning period, and grapples with assembling a minyan for prayer services, highlighting communal obligations and emotional depth in Jewish bereavement.[22] These portrayals integrate Jewish identity organically into Cyrus's character arc, avoiding superficial treatment by emphasizing ongoing family and religious observance.[32]
LGBTQ Elements
Cyrus Goodman's portrayal as a gay character marked a milestone for Disney Channel, as he became the network's first main character to explicitly come out as homosexual during the second season premiere on October 13, 2018.[9] This storyline involved Cyrus grappling with his attraction to male friend Jonah Beck, leading to his realization and disclosure of his sexual orientation to close friends Andi Mack and Buffy Driscoll.[5]In the episode "Cyrus' Truth," aired February 8, 2019, Cyrus verbally states "I'm gay" to Jonah after supporting him through a panic attack, representing the first instance of a Disney Channel character uttering those words on screen.[28][13] His narrative arc emphasized personal self-discovery and acceptance among peers, without parental confrontation or external adversity dominating the plot.[5]Cyrus's romantic elements culminated in the series finale on July 29, 2019, where he enters Disney's first depicted same-sex tween romance by holding hands with basketball player TJ Kippen after TJ reveals his own hidden identity.[33] This development followed Cyrus's earlier crush on TJ, shifting from unrequited feelings toward Jonah, and portrayed subtle affection suitable for the show's young audience.[33]The inclusion of Cyrus's homosexuality drew international repercussions, including a ban of Andi Mack in Kenya in 2019 due to objections over homosexual content targeted at youth.[34] Social conservatives in the U.S.also criticized the depiction of a 13-year-old gayprotagonist, citing concerns over premature exposure to such themes, though the storyline avoided explicit physicality.[34]
Reception and Impact
Critical and Audience Response
Critics commended the portrayal of Cyrus Goodman's coming-out arc for its sensitivity and authenticity, marking it as a milestone in Disney Channel programming as the network's first openly gay main character in a live-action series.[35] IndieWire described the season two premiere episode, where Cyrus confides in friend Buffy about his attraction to boys, as "note-perfect in many ways," highlighting the realistic depiction of a 13-year-old grappling with his sexuality.[24] The show's handling of LGBTQ themes, including Cyrus's storyline, contributed to broader acclaim for addressing serious adolescent issues like identity and relationships without overt preachiness.[36]Audience responses varied, with positive reactions from younger viewers and the LGBTQ community emphasizing the representation's importance for visibility and relatability.[37] In reaction videos, teens expressed excitement over Cyrus's arc, viewing it as a relatable step forward for diverse storytelling on children's television.[37] However, parental reviews on platforms like Common Sense Media reflected a divide, with some appreciating the inclusion of LGBTQ identities alongside topics like mental health, while others criticized it for introducing complex themes too early for preteens.[38]The character's inclusion drew backlash from social conservatives, who advocated for censorship of teen homosexuality portrayals, citing Cyrus's age and the show's target demographic.[39] A 2019 study published in the Journal of Homosexuality surveyed 232 U.S.residents and found significant support for censoring such content, attributing opposition to traditional values and concerns over premature exposure.[34] Actor Joshua Rush, who played Cyrus, publicly countered homophobic criticism on social media, arguing that diverse representation is essential for children and dismissing claims that the character set a "poor example."[40][41] Despite controversies, the storyline resonated with advocates for inclusive media, fostering discussions on youth LGBTQ visibility in family-oriented programming.[35]
Achievements and Milestones
Cyrus Goodman's portrayal marked several pioneering milestones in Disney Channel programming, beginning with his coming out as the network's first gay main character in the episode aired on October 27, 2017, where he confided his crush on Jonah Beck to friend Buffy Driscoll.[9][42] This storyline devoted an arc to his self-discovery, distinguishing it from prior incidental LGBTQ references in Disney content.[5]In the season 3 episode "Cyrus' Truth," aired February 8, 2019, Cyrus explicitly stated "I'm gay" to Jonah, becoming the first Disney Channel character to utter those words on air.[28][3] The series finale on July 26, 2019, featured Cyrus entering a relationship with TJ Kippen, depicting Disney's inaugural teenage gay couple.[43]These elements contributed to Andi Mack receiving the inaugural 2018 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Kids & Family Programming on April 12, 2018, recognizing its authentic handling of youth LGBTQ experiences.[44][45] The show also earned the 2018 Television Academy Honor for Television with a Conscience, awarded for programming addressing social issues like Cyrus's arc in an age-appropriate manner.[46][35]Controversies and Criticisms
The inclusion of Cyrus Goodman's coming-out storyline as a 13-year-old gay character in the Disney Channel series Andi Mack elicited backlash from conservative groups concerned about its suitability for young audiences.and Senior Crisis Services Manager for The Trevor Project, "the best way to support your friend would be to celebrate them for making choices that feel healthy for them, including if that is choosing not to come out."
The Trevor Project is a national organization providing crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth under 25.
Cyrus isn't only gay, he's also Jewish.
"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. 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.,'" Hurwitz wrote.
One fan tweeted, "CYRUS GOODMAN JUST MADE DISNEY CHANNEL HISTORY." Actor Joshua Rush retweeted, commenting, "Every day is a blessing working on this show. He is portrayed as a 13-year-old seventh-grade student at Jefferson Middle School in the fictional Shadyside, forming a close-knit trio known as the "Good Hair Crew" with best friends Andi Mack and Buffy Driscoll.
Here's Why You Need to Know the Name Cyrus Goodman
Cyrus Goodman is a very important person not just in the show Andi Mack or the Disney Channel universe, but for representation in the entirety of media. That's gvelta fish, skip that... 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,” he added.
“In spite of Cyrus’ nerves about telling Buffy, Andi, and now Jonah, he continually underestimates how much people accept him for who he is,” he wrote.
According to Brock Dumville, M.P.H. This helpful nature underscores his role as an emotional stabilizer in the group, though he grapples internally with feelings of being "weird" or out of place.[12][11][13]
Key Relationships
Cyrus Goodman's primary relationships center on his friendships with Andi Mack and Buffy Driscoll, forming the core group dubbed the "Good Hair Crew" at Jefferson Middle School.Cool!" making the moment feel warm, organic and a win overall.
This moment shook the show's fans to the core. I remember thinking: That’s it?!