Disney Channel will introduce its first
gay characters next year during an episode of Good Luck Charlie.
According to TV Guide, in the episode,
to be broadcast during the sitcom's final season early next year,
preschooler Charlie (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).
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. “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 last year
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.)