TV Study: LGBTQ Characters Rise In Number With Streaming
19.02.2022 - 00:57
/ etcanada.com
LGBTQ representation on scripted TV series has grown along with the footprint of streaming services, according to an annual study by the advocacy group GLAAD.
“TV is leading entertainment in telling LGBTQ stories,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, said in the “Where We Are on TV” report on the 2021-22 season that was released Thursday.
In recognition of the increased number and profile of streaming services, the study added five relative newcomers to the trio — Amazon, Hulu and Netflix — included in previous GLAAD diversity tallies.
Broadcast networks and cable channels are part of the study, which also looks at broadcast representation of women, people of colour and those with disabilities.
Netflix, which has consistently topped its streaming competitors in LGBTQ inclusivity, according to GLAAD, ranked first again, with 155 regularly seen or recurring characters on its original comedy and drama series.
By comparison, prime-time series on the ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC networks include a combined 141 LGBTQ characters this season, according to the study.
But GLAAD offered thinly veiled criticism of Netflix over its handling of Dave Chappelle’s 2021 special “The Closer,” which was faulted by people inside and outside the company for what they deemed anti-transgender humour. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos later said he erred in addressing employee concerns, but the special remained on the streaming service.
“It would be disingenuous to shine a light on Netflix’s inclusive programming without also being clear on the harm Netflix did to the LGBTQ community this past fall by doubling down on giving anti-LGBTQ content the reach and legitimacy of their platform and brand,” the report said.
Netflix declined comment.
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