On Thursday morning, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) organization held its 23rd annual Where We Are On TV report. In the report, the organization examines LGBTQ representation on television. Just four years ago, GLAAD expanded their tracking to include the streaming networks Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. With this year’s report, things are definitely taking an upswing.

According to GLAAD’s report:

“Of the 857 series regular characters expected to appear on broadcast primetime scripted programming in the coming year, 75 (8.8%) were counted as LGBTQ. This is the highest percentage of LGBTQ regular characters GLAAD has counted on primetime scripted broadcast programming. There were an additional 38 recurring LGBTQ characters. This is 113 total LGBTQ regular and recurring characters on primetime scripted broadcast TV, up from the previous year’s 86. The five broadcast networks are ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX, and NBC. The CW counts the highest percentage of LGBTQ series regulars of all series regulars.”

The report also went on to state that for the first time, LGBTQ characters of color outnumber LGBTQ white characters 50% to 49%. Also, there is now a gender parity with an equal number of men and women LGBTQ characters (49.6%). GLAAD is calling on the industry to hit 10% LGBTQ characters in primetime television within two years in order to ensure that the entertainment world reflects the real world demographics.

In cable, the number of LGBTQ regular characters increased from 103 to 120 and the number of LGBTQ recurring character increased from 70 to 88. As for streaming networks, they have hit a total of 112 LGBTQ characters on scripted originals, up from 70 last year. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis had this to say regarding LGBTQ stories today:

“With anti-LGBTQ policies being debated here and abroad, the stories and characters on television are more critical than ever before to build understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ people. Not only do stories that explore the rich lives and identities of LGBTQ people move the needle forward culturally, but they pay off in ratings – shows like Will & Grace, Supergirl, Empire, and How To Get Away with Murder all attract millions of viewers weekly and demonstrate that audiences are hungry for new stories and perspectives.”

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Source: GLAAD.

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