The Disney Channel introduced its first
gay characters on Sunday during an episode of Good Luck Charlie.
In the episode – the fourth in the
sitcom's final season – preschooler Charlie (played by Mia
Talerico) has a new friend with two moms. The family comes over to
the Duncans' home during a playdate arranged by Amy and Bob Duncan
(Leigh-Allyn Baker and Eric Allan Kramer). (A clip from the show is
embedded on this page. Visit
our video library for more videos.)
While the characters are only expected
to appear in this one episode and the storyline is secondary to the
plot, the Disney Channel recognized the groundbreaking nature of
including gay characters in its original programming.
“This particular storyline was
developed under the consultancy of child development experts and
community advisers,” a spokesperson told TV
Guide in June. “Like all Disney Channel programming, it was
developed to be relevant to kids and families around the world and to
reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness.”
Social conservatives in 2012 criticized
a Disney Channel ad campaign for including a teen with two moms.
(Related: Disney
knocked for featuring teen with two moms in “Make Your Mark”
campaign.)