Education

Transgender boy, an Atlanta native, to appear on ‘Modern Family’

Jackson Millarker is a student at Globe Academy, a dual-language immersion charter school in DeKalb County. (Credit: NewNowNext.com)
Jackson Millarker is a student at Globe Academy, a dual-language immersion charter school in DeKalb County. (Credit: NewNowNext.com)
By Marlon A. Walker
Sept 27, 2016

When Jackson Millarker appears on ABC’s Modern Family Wednesday night, he’ll become the first transgender child featured on a major network scripted TV show.

Jackson, 8, lives with his family in metro Atlanta and goes to school in DeKalb County.

In the episode, titled "A Stereotypical Day," Cameron and Mitchell's daughter, Lily, will have a playdate with a transgender boy named Tom, according to NewNowNext, a website connected to LGBTQ channel Logo TV.

The Emmy-winning show began its eighth season last week.

Other shows have had transgender characters, including “Orange is the New Black,” “Nashville,” “Private Practice” among them. Actor Jeffrey Tambor recently won his second consecutive Emmy for portraying a transgender woman. Laverne Cox became the first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy in 2014.

About the Author

Marlon A. Walker is an education reporter covering DeKalb County.

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