The gay kiss on Freeform’s “The Fosters” last year was a landmark moment in TV history, but star Gavin MacIntosh wasn’t worried about shooting the scene.
“The producers and the writers were very understanding,” MacIntosh said in an interview with TheWrap. “I didn’t really feel pressured at all. … We were thinking about the people that would be watching it, and it would have an influence on them.”
The kiss, which aired last March during the show’s second season, was between the 13-year-old characters played by MacIntosh and Hayden Byerly, and was the youngest gay kiss in TV history. Though it sparked some backlash online, most hailed the kiss as a progressive and powerful moment.
The actor said feedback on his character and storyline has been largely positive, with messages of support and “heartfelt stories” coming in on social media.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” MacIntosh said. “‘The Fosters’ really opened my eyes to the whole LGBTQ movement.”
“The Fosters” returns on Monday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m. ET on Freeform.