"I'm gay."
Joshua Rush, who plays the role of Cyrus in the hit Disney Channel series, "Andi Mack," just became the first Disney Channel character to ever say those two words.
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.
"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. That's your classic bagel and lox.
These ties offer mutual support amid adolescent challenges, with Cyrus often serving as a confidant while receiving guidance in return, as seen when he discloses his emerging self-awareness to Buffy during the season 2 premiere aired on October 13, 2018.[5][2]His initial romantic interest develops toward classmate Jonah Beck, a popular athlete, prompting Cyrus to recognize and articulate his attraction to boys, which he confides first to Buffy before sharing with Andi.
The teenage character is Disney's first officially confirmed, openly LGBTQ+ character.
Cyrus Goodman
Cyrus Goodman is a fictional character in the Disney Channel series
Andi Mack, which aired from 2017 to 2019, portrayed by actor Joshua Rush.
[1] He serves as one of the best friends of the protagonist Andi Mack and her friend Buffy Driscoll, forming a core trio navigating adolescence in a small town.
[2] Goodman is distinguished as the first main character in a Disney Channel live-action series to explicitly come out as gay, confiding his sexual orientation to Buffy after developing a crush on classmate Jonah Beck.
[3][2]Throughout the series, Goodman's arc explores themes of identity and relationships, including his initial unrequited feelings for Beck and a later romance with athlete TJ Kippen, marking Disney's first depiction of a same-sex teen couple.
[4] His character contributes to the show's focus on family secrets and personal growth, with Goodman often providing comic relief through his awkwardness and loyalty to friends.
[1] While praised by some for representation, the inclusion of Goodman's storyline drew criticism from conservative groups concerned about introducing sexual orientation topics to young audiences targeted by Disney programming.
[2]Creation and Development
Conception
Cyrus Goodman was conceived by series creator Terri Minsky as part of the core friend group in
Andi Mack, serving as the best friend to protagonist Andi Mack and fellow tween Buffy Driscoll, with the trio attending Jefferson Middle School and navigating adolescence together.
[5] Minsky, drawing from her experience creating
Lizzie McGuire, developed the character to embody themes of self-discovery and identity exploration, positioning him as neurotic yet supportive amid family and peer dynamics.
[6] From the outset of the show's pitch in 2016, Cyrus was intended to be Jewish, reflecting Minsky's own background and early discussions to authentically incorporate cultural elements like bar mitzvahs into his arc.
[7]Minsky specifically designed Cyrus's storyline to address homosexuality, conceiving him as gay to mirror real adolescent experiences of feeling "weird and different," with an emphasis on supportive friendships that affirm rather than judge.
[5] This decision aligned with Disney Channel's request for edgier content beyond the initial family-secret premise, allowing the series—greenlit in August 2016 and premiered March 10, 2017—to tackle tween self-realization in an age-appropriate manner.
[8] The character's orientation was established early in development, though explicit revelation to peers occurred in the Season 2 premiere on October 27, 2017, when 13-year-old Cyrus confides a crush on male friend Jonah Beck to Buffy.
[9][5]Casting and Portrayal
Joshua Rush portrayed Cyrus Goodman, one of the main characters in the Disney Channel series
Andi Mack, which aired from March 10, 2017, to July 26, 2019.
[9] Rush, then aged 15, was cast in the role knowing the character's arc would include exploring his sexual orientation, marking a departure from prior Disney representations.
[4] His performance spanned 57 episodes, depicting Cyrus as a 13-year-old Jewish boy navigating friendships, family dynamics, and personal identity with wit and vulnerability.
[1]Rush's portrayal emphasized Cyrus's fashion sense and loyalty as Andi's best friend alongside Buffy Driscoll, while handling the coming-out storyline with age-appropriate subtlety.
[10] In the season 3 episode "Cyrus' Truth," aired February 8, 2019, Cyrus explicitly states "I'm gay" to Jonah Beck, becoming the first Disney Channel character to do so on-screen.
[11] Rush drew from his own experiences to inform the role, expressing pride in representing a gay teen in a mainstream children's program without sensationalism.
[1] The casting choice aligned with Disney's intent to introduce LGBTQ+ visibility, though the portrayal avoided explicit romantic developments, focusing instead on self-acceptance and peer support.
[9]Character Profile
Background and Personality
Cyrus Goodman is a central character in the Disney Channel series
Andi Mack, which aired from April 7, 2017, to July 26, 2019.
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. Cool!" making the moment feel warm, organic and a win overall.
This moment shook the show's fans to the core.
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). “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?!
Cyrus isn't only gay, he's also Jewish. ET on the Disney Channel.
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."
Hurwitz wrote that he used his experience to craft Cyrus' coming out storyline to Jonah.
"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.
I remember thinking: That’s it?! 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.
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.
This unrequited crush underscores Cyrus's internal struggles and strengthens his platonic bonds within the group.[2][5]Later, Cyrus enters a romantic relationship with TJ Kippen, initially connected through basketball where Cyrus joins the team to impress Jonah but bonds with TJ over shared vulnerabilities. “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,” he explained.
New episodes of Andi Mack air Fridays at 8 p.m.
“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.