LGBTQ representation in TV series grows with streaming services’ rise; Netflix ranks first
- Advocacy group Glaad says the growth in streaming services has led to more LGBTQ characters being seen on TV
- Netflix has the most regularly appearing non-binary and diverse characters and individuals, according to Glaad, which expressed satisfaction at the results
LGBTQ representation in scripted TV series has grown along with the footprint of streaming services, according to an annual study by the advocacy group Glaad.
“TV is leading entertainment in telling LGBTQ stories,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive of Glaad, said in the “Where We Are on TV” report on the 2021-2022 season that was released this week.
In recognition of the increased number and profile of streaming services, the study added five relative newcomers to the trio – Amazon, Hulu and Netflix – included in previous Glaad diversity tallies.
The study also looks at representation of women, people of colour and those with disabilities.
Netflix, which has consistently topped its streaming competitors in LGBTQ inclusivity, according to Glaad, ranked first again, with 155 regularly seen or recurring characters on its original comedy and drama series.
After the coronavirus pandemic reduced the TV industry’s output in 2021, the Glaad report expressed satisfaction that the rebound didn’t leave behind LGBTQ depictions.