Diversity needs to happen in more than just the workplace. There is a need to see diversity on television as well. And by diversity, I don’t mean the inclusion of a minor character thrown in for good measure. Instead, we need to see more lead roles scripted for diverse characters.
Since 2005, GLAAD began tracking series characters on broadcast television for diversity, and each year they release their findings in the Where We Are on TV report. Here you’ll find their archive of reports from 2005 to the present.
At the launch of the 2012-2013 television season, GLAAD estimates that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) scripted characters represent 4.4% of all scripted series regular characters on the five broadcast networks: ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, and NBC. This is an increase from last year, with 31 series regular characters identified as LGBT. Additionally GLAAD counted 19 recurring characters on primetime broadcast scripted series.
In the summer, GLAAD releases another report that offers a critical analysis of this representation. Not all depictions of diversity are fair and equal. So the big question that always gets asked among those of us who belong to a “diverse” group is, “Is bad or negative visibility better than no visibility?” I put that question out to anyone who reads this. Are negative representations or stereotypes better than being invisible, because at least it starts a discussion, or at least it hopefully starts one? Your thoughts.
Out and About 