"Modern Family" is living up to its name: An upcoming episode of the award-winning sitcom will guest star the first openly transgender child actor on TV, reports NewNowNext.

The ABC series has tackled a number of serious issues in comedic fashion over the years, but this Wednesday's episode, "A Stereotypical Day," will mark a first for both the show and TV. In it, Jackson Millarker, an 8-year-old actor, will appear as Lily's new friend Tom. Both Millarker and his character are transgender.

In the episode, Cam (played by Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) will get a rude awakening when they hear their daughter, Lily (Aubrey Anderson-Emmons), insult her friend Tom. Having always believed they raised an open and non-judgmental child, they'll have to stop and reflect. Ultimately, they'll figure out how to teach her about acceptance -- with plenty of jokes (and likely some freaking out) along the way, of course.

Transgender actors and characters are still rare on TV but on network TV especially. Furthermore, to this point, only TLC's reality show "I Am Jazz" stars a transgender child, according to Variety. Millarker will get to break new ground by portraying Tom, not to mention play a special role in fostering acceptance.

"Modern Family" continues its eighth season with "A Stereotypical Day" on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

[via: NewNowNext; Variety]