As 2019 comes to a close, we begin to reflect. How far has queen representation progressed this year? We saw a call for more inclusivity an diversity in TV plots and characters.
The 2019 GLAAD TV report found that about 10 percent of broadcast scripted primetime characters identified as LGBTQ+. Out of the 879 regular characters that appeared during this most recent season, 90 were queer. This is the highest percentage in the past 15 years.
Streaming services, such as Amazon, Hulu and Netflix boasted. 109 regular LGBTQ+ characters, as well as 4 more recurring characters.
Bisexual characters made up about 26 percent of the LGBTQ+ characters across all platforms. There are 38 trans characters, an increase from the 26 we saw last year. There was only one asexual-identifying character this season – Todd Chavez on Netflix’s “Bojack Horseman.”
Racial diversity among LGBTQ+ characters increased on broadcast television, but decreased on streaming platforms. GLAAD is calling for a big leap in diversity, challenging all platforms to make at least half of the LGBTQ+ characters people of color within the next two years.
“This is an important next step toward ensuring that our entertainment reflects the world in which it is created and the audience consuming it,” GLAAD said in a press release.
LGBTQ+ characters with disabilities increased to a record breaking 3.1 percent, but it still vastly underrepresented that actual number of folks with disabilities in a America. There were nine characters across all platforms who are HIV-positive.
But where to turn to see all our queer characters? Netflix has the highest number of LGBTQ+ characters out of all streaming services. The CW has the highest percentage out of all the primetime broadcast networks.
