Modern Family casts transgender child actor
Modern Family is breaking down barriers again, by casting a transgender kid in an upcoming episode.
The long-running show won acclaim early on for its pioneering portrayal of same-sex coupleĀ Cameron and Mitchell (Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson) as they start a family.
In an upcoming episode of the show’s eighth season, the pair’s daughter Lily invites her transgender friend Tom over for a playdate.
The dads are proud of their kidĀ for being so accepting,Ā only for a misunderstandingĀ to leave them doubting their daughter.
NewNowNext reportsĀ that the show has castĀ 8-year-old transgender actor Jackson Millarker in the role.
A synopsis for the episode says: “Cam and Mitchell have always felt they were the most open, non-judgmental and supportive parents. However, when they overhear Lily insulting her new friend, they have to take a quick look in the mirror before they teach her a lesson about acceptance.”
The episode, A Stereotypical Day, will air in the US on Wednesday.
Stonestreet, who is straight,Ā previouslyĀ revealed he snubbed anti-gay Republican Rick Santorum when the politician claimed he was a fan of the show.
He said: āOne of my favourite events is the White House Correspondentsā Dinner. I have people that you would be shocked that wanted pictures with me
āRick Santorum wanted a picture with me. It was at a time when he was publicly saying, āGay marriage, gay marriage [is wrong],ā and Iām like, āYou know, I canāt do itā.
āIt was with him and his kids or something like that, and I said, āIād be happy to take a picture with the kidsā, but I canāt just be in a picture with [him].ā
He also said: āPresident Obama mentioned in an interview that Michelle and the kids watch Mitch and Cam and theyāre in tears.
āTo hear the leader of the free world, the president of the United States, say that and to know we have that sort of reach with people and that the people in power and leadership are watching the show [is incredible].ā
The move to introduce a transgender character into the cast is ground breaking. Last week, a trans teen was fired from their part time job for being interviewed on ABC News.
In San Fransisco, a trans person was turned away from Urban Outfitters changing rooms because young children were in the area.
Last week, it was announced that the first British female to serve on the front line is transgender.
Earlier this month, the 21st trans person was murdered this year.
