Times have definitely changed. It was 24 years ago when GLAAD first started studying the representation of LGBTQ+ people on television. Back then, the study counted just 12 series regular LGBTQ+ characters across all broadcast and cable programs.  Now over two decades since, that number has skyrocketed with this year breaking all records with those characters being more diverse and representative of the LGBTQ+ community than ever before. 

GLAAD's annual "Where We Are on TV" report has revealed that in addition to the increasing numbers of characters, there has also been an increase in racial diversity of LGBTQ+ characters as well. This news comes just a year after GLAAD issued a challenge to the industry for more racial diversity in LGBTQ+ representation.

While there has been an increase in racial diversity on broadcast (52% people of colour) and cable (48%), there has been a decrease compared to last year on streaming services coming in at 41%.

The report has also revealed that for the first time in its history, LGBTQ+ series regular and recurring characters are women on broadcast outnumber male characters with 53% to 48%.

Across the 488 total regular and recurring LGBTQ+ characters on scripted primetime broadcast, cable, and streaming programs, 8% were transgender, and 26% were bisexual.

"Last year, GLAAD called on the television industry to increase the number of LGBTQ characters and more accurately reflect the world we live in, and they responded by exceeding this challenge," said GLAAD's president Sarah Kate Ellis in a statement. 

"At a time when the cultural climate is growing increasingly divisive, increased representation of LGBTQ stories and characters on television is especially critical to advance LGBTQ acceptance."

"Shows like Pose, Schitt's Creek, Batwoman, and Billions demonstrate that not only are LGBTQ stories and characters on TV becoming more diverse but that viewers everywhere continue to respond with extreme positivity."

"This year's 'Where We Are on TV' study found great progress towards a more LGBTQ-inclusive television landscape, and highlighted welcome increases of transgender men and queer women in upcoming programming," adds Megan Townsend, GLAAD's director of entertainment research and analysis. "However, it is also important to note that there is still work to be done."

"On cable TV, just three networks account for 44 percent of all LGBTQ representation on primetime scripted series. Similarly, programming from four dedicated producers and creators who prioritize inclusion, Greg Berlanti, Lena Waithe, Ryan Murphy, and Shonda Rhimes, accounts for 14 percent of total LGBTQ characters across broadcast, cable, and streaming originals. We hope to see all networks follow their lead, and work towards reflecting the reality of their audience and the culture."

GLAAD are now calling on the industry to make sure 20% of series regular characters on primetime scripted broadcast series are to be LGBTQ+ by 2025, and ensure that half of those are also people of colour within the next two years. And we couldn't agree more!

Read the full report here. 

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