TV Guide reports the Disney Channel will break new ground early next year with the airing of an episode of Good Luck Charlie which includes a lesbian couple, the network's first out characters in a series. GLAAD Media Award-winning blog Mombian also covered the story. The couple is currently being cast and production is set to begin next week, with the episode slated to air in early 2014 as part of the series' final season.
In the episode, Amy and Bob Duncan set up a playdate for their daughter Charlie and one of her new friends, who just happens to have two moms. But according to TV Guide, "the potential new friendship is put to the test as one mom chats with Amy, and the other is stuck listening to Bob's dull stories."
The inclusion of a family with two moms is a historic move in the right direction for the network which has never before included out gay characters in their series and films. President Gary Marsh said in 2008, “There have been characters on Disney Channel who I think people have thought were gay. That’s for the audience to interpret.” In today's interview about Good Luck Charlie, a Disney spokesperson said, "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."
Last November, Disney Channel's social outreach campaign "Make Your Mark," which encourages and inspires kids to make a difference in the world, featured a 14-year-old named Ben, an aspiring filmmaker who has two moms. Ben's spot ran on Disney Channel for several weeks, check it out below.