SLOW INCREASE IN LGBT CHARACTERS ON US TV

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) has released its 14th annual “Where We Are On TV” study, a comprehensive review of scripted LGBT primetime characters in the 2009-2010 television season.

It reveals that after more than doubling last year, the overall number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) characters on broadcast networks continues a steady rise.

The report shows that 18 LGBT characters will account for 3% of scripted series regulars in the 2009-2010 broadcast television schedule, up from 1.3% in 2006, 1.1% in 2007, and 2.6% in 2008.

The number of scripted LGBT series regulars found on mainstream pay television networks however continue to decline, from 40 in 2007, 32 in 2008 to only 25 this year.

From research and information provided by the five broadcast networks — ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW — the “Where We Are On TV” study reviewed 79 scripted comedies and dramas announced to air this upcoming season, and counted a total of 600 series regulars, 18 of which are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

“It is promising to see not only an increase in the quantity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender television characters but that storylines about the LGBT community are becoming more reflective of current issues impacting our lives,” said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios.

“Americans now see LGBT couples marrying, raising families and contributing to their communities. As more and more Americans see these fair and accurate images of our community reflected on the small screen, they come to accept and better understand their LGBT family members and neighbors.”

The ABC network – which produces shows such as Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives – leads the broadcast networks in LGBT representation, with eight LGBT characters out of 168 total series regular characters (5%), the highest number and percentage of LGBT characters of any network for the 2009-2010 season.

On mainstream cable networks, the number of announced LGBT series regular characters dropped to 25 from last year’s total of 32. The presence of LGBT-focused cable networks here! and Logo, which program specifically for LGBT viewers, add an additional 27 series regular LGBT characters.

Of the 18 announced LGBT regular characters in the 2009-2010 primetime broadcast season, only four are people of colour.