LOS ANGELES — 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 color 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.
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 humor. 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.
After last year’s pandemic reduced the TV industry’s output, the GLAAD report expressed satisfaction that the rebound didn’t leave behind LGBTQ depictions. The growth in streaming services, including Apple TV+, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+ and Peacock, opened the door for more inclusive fare.
The following are among the report’s findings, by platform:
There were 358 regularly seen and recurring LGBTQ characters in series offered by the eight streaming services included in the study — an increase of 217 from last year’s total found on three streaming services. (Last year, only Amazon, Hulu and Netflix were tracked.)
Helping Netflix retain its lead in LGBTQ depictions are foreign-language dramas with queer stories, the report said, including “Young Royals” from Sweden, “Rebelde” from Mexico and “Elite” from Spain. They join the inclusive Netflix comedies “Never Have I Ever,” “Q-Force” and “Sex Education.”
