LGBT characters are at an all-time high on television, according to new findings.
The annual Where We Are on TV report has found that 8.8% of regular characters expected to appear in the next year on US network television are LGBT, up from 6.4% the previous year, with 50% of them people of colour. There was also an equal percentage of male and female characters, an improvement on last year.
Netflix was named as the streaming service with the highest number of LGBT characters, thanks to shows such as Orange is the New Black and Luke Cage. There was also special praise for Will & Grace, Supergirl, Empire and How to Get Away with Murder, which were all singled out for their inclusivity.
“With anti-LGBTQ policies being debated here and abroad, the stories and characters on television are more critical than ever before to build understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ people,” read a statement from Sarah Kate Ellis, Glaad’s CEO and president.
The report also found improvement within the overall uplift with transgender and bisexual characters on the rise. There was also an increase from two to five regular or recurring HIV-positive characters. A string of upcoming shows with LGBT characters set to appear include Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Tales of the City and Now Apocalypse.
The results contrast with Glaad’s most recent study of big screen inclusivity which found a significant decrease in LGBT characters earlier this year.
“Record-breaking films like Black Panther and Wonder Woman prove that not only does inclusion make for great stories – inclusion is good for the bottom line,” an accompanying statement read. “It is time for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) stories to be included in this conversation and in this movement.”