Fans of the show Modern Family know that it has always been groundbreaking. The show has won many awards over the years. Modern Family has the ability to be both hilarious and to address stereotypes and societal norms.
Recently, news spread about the show casting a transgender actor. One amazing thing about Modern Family is that it has actors of all genders, ages, and races. An upcoming episode, called 'A Stereotypical Day' will introduce fans to a new character named Tom, who will be played by Jackson Millmarker.
Millmarker is an eight-year-old, openly transgender child. Modern Family has become the first television show in history to cast an openly trans child. The episode he is appearing on will deal with teaching acceptance of others, specifically those who do not follow societal norms. Millarker plays Tom, a new friend of Lily, played by Aubrey Anderson-Emmons. Lily's dads, played by Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, mistakingly think they hear Lily insult Tom during a playdate. The parents use that moment to teach Lily about open-mindedness and inclusion of everyone.
Modern Family's casting of Jackson Millmarker is extremely important. There are many transgender children who feel that they aren't accepted by the people around them. They often get bullied and are even outcasts to their own families sometimes. It's important that these kids see that being transgender does not mean something is wrong with them. Seeing an actor on TV who is like them will help boost their self-esteem and make them more confident in being who they are.
The show's decision will not only affect transgender children but other children as well. The media plays a huge part in what kids see as 'right' and 'wrong.' Young children, in particular, are like sponges. Everything they see in the world around them affects how they believe they should treat others. Seeing a variety of people on TV will help them know that in the real world, everyone is different and that it's okay. Hopefully, there will be more shows in the future with LGBT+ representation, so kids find everyone 'normal', the way they should.
I'm sure that Modern Family will find a way to address this issue in its typical, genius way. The show is, of course, a comedy at heart-one that everyone loves watching. The writers of the show are amazing at dealing with societal issues in a new light, that often helps to educate people on how to make things better. Many fans are already excited about the upcoming episode, as are the other cast members.
Even the director, Ryan Case, showed her excitement by sharing a photo of herself with Millarker on Instagram. The caption read: "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."
It's also one of the many reasons we love watching the show.
