The statement of “Get Woke, Go Broke” has been prevalent on the internet for several years but when it comes to the corporate push for representation, it may be time to rethink that sentiment.
If you have watched any television program consistently over the last five years, you have probably noticed that there are more LGBT characters on television than ever before. So much more, that LGBT representation set a record in 2021 for the most Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender characters on television ever.
12% of all TV characters shown on broadcast television, cable, and streaming were LGBT. While some of the naive television viewers may believe that this is just a coincidence or that television is just reflecting what the modern world is becoming, the push for more LGBT representation in television and movies is very much by design.
Fans of comic books and video games have likely noticed an uptick in LGBT characters whether they have asked for them or not and have begged the question, who is exactly behind this push to create more LGBT characters. Well, look no further than GLAAD.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation organization makes it clear their goal is “to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.”
“GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love,” the organization adds.
To that effect, over the last five years, GLAAD has been working with major film and television studios to lobby showrunners and filmmakers to rapidly increase the number of LGBT characters on screen.
GLAAD has spent the last number of years tracking the amount of LGBT characters in television and that number has seen an increase from 8.8% to 12% in just the last three years.
In their latest report entitled “Where We Are on TV,” GLAAD reported that 92 out of 772 series regular characters on scripted broadcast television were LGBT, an increase of 2.8% from just the previous year. This is just on broadcast television.
On primetime cable networks, GLAAD counted 87 series regular LGBTQ characters and 51 LGBTQ recurring characters, totaling 138 LGBTQ characters on cable alone.
When you add streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu to the mix, you have 245 LGBTQ series regular characters and 113 LGBTQ recurring characters, bringing the total to 358 LGBTQ regular and recurring characters on the eight major streaming platforms, and for you Lord of The Rings fans, yes that does include Amazon’s Prime Video.
For some readers, these numbers may look staggering, but it is important to note that GLAAD is far from satisfied and is looking for even more LGBT characters moving forward.
In 2018, GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis called for the major studios to include LGBTQ characters in 20 percent of their releases by 2021 and in 50 percent of their films by 2024. This was in a response to what the organization felt was a “decline” in LGBT characters in movies in the previous year.
WME, one of the largest Hollywood talent agencies in the world sided with Ellis and committed to helping GLAAD reach that 20% marker.
“As we witness growth in LGBTQ representation on TV in many areas, we continue to call on Hollywood and creators to invest in storytelling that uplifts underrepresented voices and issues from our community, which ultimately has the potential to advance cultural acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ people,” Ellis said about her study in a statement.
“Networks and platforms must continue to prioritize telling LGBTQ stories that have been long overlooked, with a specific focus on the trans community, LGBTQ people of color, people living with HIV, and LGBTQ people with disabilities,” she added.
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Hollywood is an industry-controlled top to bottom by progressives and left-wing activists. The basic concept of capitalism doesn’t apply to these people. An industry that already has billions of dollars at its disposal doesn’t mind losing a few for the sake of strengthening its agenda.
If Hollywood can continue to draw billions from superheroes and nostalgia, they will continue to have a pot to pull from, whether you reject it or not.
GLAAD has overseen a near 5% increase in LGBT characters in television in just the last three years and they aren’t happy with those numbers. So, the question to be asked is what will television look like in 5 years when their numbers are 20%? Or in 10 years when they hit 50%?
As long as Hollywood has the keys to the creation and distribution of all things cinematic, they will continue to dictate to the consumer what it is they will consume. They’re here, they’re queer, so get used to it.
NEXT: GLAAD Goes After Marvel and DC for Lack of LGBT Representation