Television content for kids and teens has made strides in including more LGBTQ characters, but GLAAD's latest report shows that there's still work to do, especially following a year in which several inclusive shows were either canceled or came to a natural conclusion.
Television content for kids and teens has made strides in including more LGBTQ characters, but GLAAD's latest report shows that there's still work to do, especially following a year in which several inclusive shows were either canceled or came to a natural conclusion.
GLAAD's 19th annual "Where We Are On TV" report, released yesterday, examines LGBTQ representation in scripted programming during the 2023/2024 TV season. The report highlights a decrease in the number of LGBTQ characters on television compared to the previous year.
In primetime, the report counted 64 LGBTQ characters, with 39 of them being series regulars, which represents 8.6% of the total 454 regulars. This is a drop from the previous year's 10%. On streaming platforms, there were 327 LGBTQ characters—208 regulars and 119 recurring—marking a decrease of 29 characters from the 2022/2023 season.
The report partially attributes these declines to the Hollywood strikes, which disrupted production schedules and caused delays in the 2023 release calendar. Additionally, about a quarter (24%) of all LGBTQ characters counted will not be returning because their series have either ended or been canceled, pointing to the need for new content to keep up the momentum in LGBTQ representation.
Despite these setbacks, there's still a push for more diversity and inclusion in television, with ongoing calls to create new series and maintain representation across all platforms.
Netflix continues to lead among streaming platforms for LGBTQ representation, with 155 LGBTQ characters, accounting for almost half of all streaming characters featured in GLAAD's "Where We Are On TV" report. Among Netflix's notable content for kids and teens is the teen drama "Heartstopper" (pictured), which recently introduced two trans characters and explored a storyline on asexuality. Additionally, Netflix's CG-animated preschool series "Princess Power" features one of its main characters with two gay dads.
Disney Channel also made strides in this area with the debut of "Hailey's On It!" (which includes two queer couples) and the continued production of diverse shows such as "Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur" and "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series." Other streaming platforms like Max received recognition for their LGBTQ-inclusive content, including "Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake." Cartoon Network's "Summer Camp Island" and "Craig of the Creek" were highlighted for their positive portrayal of queer couples. Nickelodeon was acknowledged for including nonbinary characters in "Monster High" and "Transformers: Earthspark."
The report emphasizes that, in a climate where anti-LGBTQ legislation is being proposed and enacted at alarming rates—often targeting LGBTQ kids' access to schools, facilities, and education systems—it's crucial for content aimed at children and families to portray the LGBTQ community in a positive and accurate manner.
Meanwhile, tweens and teens are also expressing interest in more diverse representation on television. A UCLA study from last fall found that 38% of 13- to 17-year-olds wanted to see more aromantic and asexual characters in TV shows, indicating a growing demand for representation of varied identities and relationships in entertainment.
