Modern Family has broken new ground by casting 8-year-old transgender actor Jackson Millarker in a guest role, marking the first time an openly transgender child actor has appeared on television.
The episode’s director, Ryan Case, took to social media to share the news, writing on wrote on Instagram: “This is Jackson Millarker. He’s 8 years old, from Atlanta, and just happens to be transgender. He plays Lily’s friend Tom in this week’s Modern Family and he’s wonderful. One of the many reasons I love being a part of this show.”
So proud to have directed this amazing kid ❤️ "Modern Family" Casts First Openly Transgender Child Actor https://t.co/pwGbgnOwJY
— Ryan Case (@film114) September 26, 2016
According to a report form Variety:
In the upcoming episode — entitled “A Stereotypical Day” — parents Cameron “Cam” (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) permit their daughter Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons) to have her transgender friend Tom over for a play-date. Both parents are filled with pride that they have done well in raising an accepting and open-minded child. But that pride quickly diminishes when Lily insults her friend, which they use as a teachable moment.
NewNowNext was first to report the story.
Modern Family‘s “A Stereotypical Day” airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.