New LGBTQ characters at the top of their story on TV

A new GLAAD study presents some very interesting news for the representation of LGBTQ on television.

The annual "Where We Are on TV" report examines the diversity of scripted series broadcast in prime time and reveals that LGBTQ regulars reach a record high of 8.8%, up 2.4 points from the year before.

In addition, LGBTQ characters are equal between men and women, almost divided in two.

The latest glaring information from this in-depth study is that people of color represent more LGBTQ characters than white people, making it the first time this happens.

"GMA" spoke about these results to Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. She said that this growing diversity stems from the diversity of shows and characters proving that they were sought after and that they behaved well in the eyes of Hollywood.

Bettina Strauss / The CW

"The main thing to remember is that we are heading absolutely in the right direction," she said, adding that even though hatred of many forms could dominate national news, "we are seeing culture providers to intensify and help tell stories, humanize people, especially people. "

Ellis is not surprised that the study has revealed that streaming services such as Netflix are still and have paved the way for LGBTQ inclusion, but she thinks that Hollywood is at middle of a "domino effect" with networks and cable channels finally "as a result".

For example, see FX's "Pose" reporting an Emmy last month "rewards and acknowledges having so many" transsexuals both in front of and behind the camera ".

Who directs this charge?

Streaming services such as Netflix, as well as its counterparts Hulu and Amazon, have really propelled things to the next level.

The report shows that the number of regular and recurring LGBTQ characters has increased by more than 50% to reach 112 this year in the streaming category.

Netflix features programs like "Orange is the new black", "Luke Cage" and others are among the best on this platform.

But cable networks have also contributed to the fact that FX has the largest number of LGBTQ characters. The CW is leading all broadcast networks with its impressive lineup directed by producer Greg Berlanti.

Paul Schiraldi / Netflix

Some of the other strengths of the study show that LGBTQ roles are no longer limited to minor characters, with shows such as "The Red Line" and "Charmed" placing LGBTQ role models in the foreground.

Then, you have the first of this year as Nicole Maines playing the first super-hero transgender in "Supergirl" CW, a show that had already revolutionized the genre with one of the main characters in the series, Alex Danvers, with his Sister Supergirl, at the beginning of the month. series.

In all, GLAAD found 26 trans characters on all platforms, a number also on the rise.

Ellis said Maines' new role is one that "breaks the mold like never before".

What does the future hold?

Ellis and GLAAD made recommendations in each section of the study. What they did this year and never did is target double-digit numbers.

"We gave them a goal of 10% [from the 8.8 now] by 2020, "she said," we think this is a figure that suits everyone and a goal to achieve. "

Gender parity and the fact that people of color are in the majority among LGBTQ characters are truly amazing and amazed by GLAAD's head.

"We'll see if that's okay," she says. "It will be an interesting part of it, to be able to tell an LGBTQ story you have to tell a different story, we are everywhere, we are the only group at the intersection of all marginalized identities."

Shows to watch for:

In addition to "Supergirl" and "Pose", there are a host of other series that you know and love, or maybe you do not like, that really take to heart the inclusion. .

Here are some (but not all) listed in the report:

Network

• "Arrow"
• "The legends of tomorrow"
• "Cool kids"
• "Modern family"
• "Empire"
• "The anatomy of Gray"
• "It's us"
• "Blind spot"

Cable

• "Now Apocalypse"
• "Hunters of Shadows"
• "Vida"
• "American gods"
• "Preacher"
• "Andi Mack"
• "The magicians"
• "Wynonna Earp"
• "Shameless"
• "Billions"

Diffusion

• "Tales of the city"
• "Luke Cage"
• "GLOW"
• "BoJack Cavalier"
• "Sabrina's Frozen Adventures"
• "The bisexual"
• "Find me in Paris"
• "Marvel's Runaways"
• "The story of the maid"
• "Transparent"