Title: LGBTQ+ Representation Declines on Television: GLAAD Report Reveals Alarming Trends

In a recent report released by GLAAD, the media advocacy organization highlighted a concerning decrease in LGBTQ+ representation on television during the 2023-2024 season. Titled "Where We Are on TV," the report tracked the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters across scripted television over the past year.

The findings of the report revealed a significant drop in LGBTQ+ characters across different platforms. On broadcast TV, there was a 31% decline, while cable experienced a staggering 45% decrease. The streaming platforms witnessed a relatively smaller decline of 0.8%. Overall, this decline amounted to a loss of 170 out of 468 LGBTQ+ characters, accounting for 36% of the characters included in the report.

Series cancellations, anthology or miniseries formats, character deaths, and departures were the primary reasons for characters not returning. Of the 170 characters, 112 were from shows that had ended or been removed from the schedule, indicating the significant role played by the conclusion of series in this decline.

GLAAD pointed out that the decline in LGBTQ+ representation may be partially attributed to the Hollywood studios' response to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes. Several LGBTQ+-inclusive series listed in previous GLAAD TV reports, such as Yellowjackets, The Last of Us, and The Umbrella Academy, faced delays and did not feature in this year's findings due to the strikes.

The report shed light on the impact of the strikes, noting that the Hollywood studios took considerable time to come to the negotiating table. Consequently, many streamers and networks took advantage of the strikes as a reason to cancel inclusive series, leading to further reductions in LGBTQ+ representation.

Additionally, the report highlighted that high cancellation rates can harm a studio's reputation, particularly in the streaming industry. A YouGov survey conducted in 2023 revealed that 27% of U.S. adults wait for the finale of a streaming original series before starting it, fearing potential cancellation.

The report also revealed a concerning decline in the number of trans characters on television. This season, only 24 trans characters were counted, a significant drop from the previous year's 32. This marks the lowest number of trans characters since the 2017-2018 season, signifying a steady decline in trans representation.

Statistically, gay men were the most well-represented LGBTQ demographic, accounting for 35.7% of all LGBTQ characters. Lesbians made up 25.2% of characters, while bisexual characters represented 24.1%. White characters comprised nearly half of the LGBTQ+ characters at 49.1%, followed by Black characters at 15.2%, Latine characters at 9.1%, API characters at 8.9%, multiracial characters at 8.4%, MENA characters at 3%, and Indigenous characters at 1.8%.

GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis emphasized the importance of LGBTQ+ stories being reflected on screen, particularly in the face of misinformation and harmful rhetoric perpetuated by politicians and journalists.

The alarming decline in LGBTQ+ representation on television raises concerns about the lack of diverse and inclusive narratives being portrayed. It serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the pursuit of equal and authentic representation in the media.