'Roseanne' Reboot Casting Opposed; One Million Moms Calls for Boycott Over Gender Fluid Child

A group of advocates for wholesome entertainment is urging viewers to boycott the "Roseanne" reboot on ABC ahead of its 2018 airing. One Million Moms (1MM) is protesting the addition of a gender fluid child on the show.

The group stated its opposition for the reboot's new character in a petition. Some 8,240 signed in support as of press time, which stated their belief that introducing a gender fluid child will corrupt the minds of young viewers.

"ABC is glorifying gender dysphoria, also known as gender identity disorder, and using a child to promote this mental disorder," the group's statement read.

The said gender fluid child is 9-year-old Mark, the son of Darlene Conner (Sara Gilbert) and the grandson of Roseanne (Roseanne Barr). Producers picked budding child actor Ames McNamara in the role, which has been described as a "sensitive and bright" child who also likes wearing girls' clothes.

While Mark is the youngest gender fluid character on TV, he won't be the first as cable and streaming shows have plenty of these personalities. "Roseanne," however, is on broadcast television, which means it's accessible to all audiences.

One Million Moms pointed out that "Roseanne" might have already done enough to break barriers for the LGBTQ community on television when it became the first comedy series to introduce a lesbian kiss in 1994. At that time, ABC revealed that it received plenty of calls from viewers regarding the particular episode and 75% were positive calls.

ABC nor the producers of "Roseanne" have yet to respond to the petition but Out Magazine called out One Million Moms. The publication cited that the show is making a positive step towards diversity amid so many young kids struggling with their gender identity.

"Roseanne" originally aired from 1988 to 1997, spanning 222 episodes. The upcoming reboot will be an eight-episode offering.