Summary
- • Only 9.1% of series regulars on broadcast television are LGBTQ characters.
- • LGBTQ characters make up 10.2% of series regulars on cable television.
- • LGBTQ characters account for 8.7% of series regulars on streaming services.
- • 22% of LGBTQ characters on TV are racially diverse.
- • Only 3% of LGBTQ characters on TV are portrayed as having a disability.
- • LGBTQ characters on TV are overwhelmingly young, with only 16% being over the age of 50.
- • 70% of LGBTQ characters on TV are white.
- • The percentage of LGBTQ series regular characters who are transgender has increased to 9%, the highest percentage recorded.
- • 67% of bisexual characters on television are women.
- • Bisexual representation on broadcast TV has increased to 27% this season.
- • 57% of LGBTQ characters on streaming original series are people of color, a new high.
- • Seven LGBTQ characters on broadcast television are living with HIV.
- • There are more queer female characters on TV than queer male characters.
- • 13% of LGBTQ characters are parents, compared to 40% of Americans.
- • 20% of LGBTQ characters on TV are portrayed as villains or antagonists.
Lights, camera, not enough action! While were making strides in LGBTQ representation in media, the latest statistics show theres still work to be done. From the lack of asexual characters on broadcast TV to the overwhelming number of white LGBTQ characters, the small screen still has some big issues to address. Lets dive into the numbers and explore why diversity matters in the world of entertainment.
Age demographic of LGBTQ characters on TV
- LGBTQ characters on TV are overwhelmingly young, with only 16% being over the age of 50.
Interpretation
The statistics on LGBTQ representation in media seem to suggest that once you hit 50, you might as well be considered as MIA - Missing In Ageism. It's as if the rainbow flag loses its color palette once you reach a certain age. Perhaps it's time for TV producers to realize that LGBTQ stories don't come with an expiration date, and that diversity includes wrinkles and wisdom too. After all, if life begins at 40, then shouldn't the fabulousness truly shine as we age like a fine wine?
Bisexual representation on television
- 67% of bisexual characters on television are women.
- Bisexual representation on broadcast TV has increased to 27% this season.
- LGBTQ characters on cable television are most likely to be bisexual women.
Interpretation
Just as women have been breaking glass ceilings in real life, it seems they are also dominating the bisexual representation on our television screens. While the increase in overall LGBTQ representation is heartening, it appears that when it comes to bisexuality, the scales are tipped heavily towards female characters, especially on cable TV. It's time for the entertainment industry to remember that diversity includes all genders, and not just as a token gesture – because representation matters, whether on-screen or off.
Ethnic diversity among LGBTQ characters on TV
- 22% of LGBTQ characters on TV are racially diverse.
- 70% of LGBTQ characters on TV are white.
- 57% of LGBTQ characters on streaming original series are people of color, a new high.
- 18% of regular characters on broadcast television are LGBTQ people of color.
Interpretation
When it comes to LGBTQ representation in media, it seems like we're stuck in an episode of a show called "Fifty Shades of White." While it's great to see a record-breaking 57% of LGBTQ characters on streaming original series being people of color, representation on broadcast television is as rare as a unicorn in a rom-com. It's time for the industry to realize that diversity isn't just a guest star - it deserves top billing. Let's give the rainbow the full spectrum it deserves, because when it comes to representation, it's not just about hitting the right notes, it's about singing the entire symphony.
LGBTQ representation in streaming original shows
- LGBTQ characters account for 8.7% of series regulars on streaming services.
- 12% of LGBTQ characters in streaming shows are disabled.
Interpretation
These statistics on LGBTQ representation in media paint a somewhat encouraging yet simultaneously sobering portrait of the current landscape. With LGBTQ characters making up 8.7% of series regulars on streaming services, there is certainly progress being made in terms of visibility and inclusivity. However, the fact that only 12% of these characters are portrayed as disabled highlights the need for intersectionality within representations of diversity. It's a reminder that true equality and representation cannot be achieved until all facets of the LGBTQIA+ community are authentically and fully portrayed on screen. In the words of RuPaul, "You betta work... on being truly inclusive!"
LGBTQ representation on broadcast television
- Only 9.1% of series regulars on broadcast television are LGBTQ characters.
- LGBTQ characters make up 10.2% of series regulars on cable television.
- Only 3% of LGBTQ characters on TV are portrayed as having a disability.
- The percentage of LGBTQ series regular characters who are transgender has increased to 9%, the highest percentage recorded.
- Seven LGBTQ characters on broadcast television are living with HIV.
- There are more queer female characters on TV than queer male characters.
- 13% of LGBTQ characters are parents, compared to 40% of Americans.
- 20% of LGBTQ characters on TV are portrayed as villains or antagonists.
- 23% of LGBTQ characters on broadcast TV are male.
- There is zero asexual representation among LGBTQ characters on broadcast TV.
Interpretation
In the colorful world of television, where characters come alive with every pixel, the LGBTQ community is sending a loud and proud message: we are here, we are diverse, we are complex. From breaking stereotypes to breaking hearts, the statistics speak volumes - unveiling a spectrum of representation, albeit with some notable gaps. As LGBTQ characters carve their paths on-screen, tackling love, struggles, and triumphs, viewers are treated to a kaleidoscope of identities. Yet, as the numbers show, there's still room for improvement in painting a full picture of the rainbow that shines within the LGBTQ community. Whether they're parents, heroes, villains, or simply human, these characters are changing the narrative - one pixel at a time.