According to the latest annual Where We Are on TV Report by GLAAD, LGBTQ+ representation on scripted primetime broadcast, cable, and major streaming platforms has decreased this year. The report highlights that the number of LGBTQ+ characters on these platforms has gone down from 637 to 596, which is a decrease of over 6 percent. The report further indicates that the number of trans characters on these platforms has also gone down from 42 to 32 this year.
The decline in LGBTQ+ representation in TV is of significant concern, especially at a time when trans Americans face increasing attacks in rhetoric and policy. GLAAD’s President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, emphasized that it is essential for Hollywood players to humanize trans people and educate viewers about being transgender by creating stories that reflect their humanity. She further added that networks and streamers should put their full brand influence into LGBTQ+-inclusive shows to enable these stories to succeed critically and commercially.
The report also notes that a significant reason for the decline in LGBTQ+ representation on TV is the cancellation of queer shows. Over 24 percent of LGBTQ+ characters on TV are on series that have been canceled or are in their final season. An additional 35 characters will not be returning next year due to the character leaving the series or the series being a miniseries or anthology.
However, the report also has some good news. The racial diversity of LGBTQ+ characters on cable and streaming platforms has increased, with over 50 percent of LGBTQ+ characters on those platforms being people of color. This is the first time that these platforms have been above 50 percent. Furthermore, although the number of people of color on broadcast platforms has slightly decreased this year, over 48 percent of LGBTQ+ characters on broadcast platforms are still people of color.
In conclusion, it is imperative that TV networks, cable, and streaming platforms continue to invest in fair and accurate depictions of LGBTQ+ people that reflect the diversity and humanity of the community. The media landscape continues to grow and change, and as such, companies must stand behind the excellent LGBTQ+ storytelling their creative teams are telling. By doing so, they can enable these shows to more deeply explore the lives and stories of LGBTQ+ characters that audiences have come to love.