GLAAD’s 2023 studio responsibility index: A closer look at LGBTQ representation in film
A year of mixed progress
The LGBTQ media advocacy organization, GLAAD, has unveiled its 12th annual Studio Responsibility Index, which tracks the representation of LGBTQ characters in films released during 2023. While there was a notable increase in LGBTQ characters taking center stage in their narratives, the overall number of films featuring LGBTQ characters saw a decline.
Analyzing the numbers
The study examined 256 films from 10 major distributors, including their subsidiaries and streaming services. GLAAD’s index serves as a crucial tool for studios to identify areas for improvement in fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBTQ representation.
Key findings:
- 27.3% of films (70 out of 256) included an LGBTQ character, a slight drop from 28.5% in 2022.
- These 70 films featured 170 LGBTQ characters, with 46% being characters of color, marking a 6% increase from the previous year.
- Only two transgender characters were identified, from the films Next Goal Wins and ¡Que Viva Mexico!, a significant decrease from 13 in the previous year. Notably, the character in ¡Que Viva Mexico! was portrayed by a cisgender man, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
- Just two LGBTQ characters had a disability, down from 11 the previous year.
Distributor rankings
The survey also ranked the 10 distributors based on the quality, quantity, and diversity of LGBTQ inclusion, alongside GLAAD’s Vito Russo Test, which evaluates how characters are integrated into the film’s narrative.
- A24: Insufficient
- Amazon: Good
- Apple TV+: Failing
- Lionsgate: Insufficient
- NBCUniversal: Fair
- Netflix: Fair
- Paramount Global: Insufficient
- Sony: Insufficient
- Walt Disney Studios: Insufficient
- Warner Bros. Discovery: Poor
Voices from GLAAD
GLAAD President and CEO emphasized the importance of consistent progress in LGBTQ representation. She highlighted that recent films with LGBTQ leads have proven to be both critical and commercial successes when fully supported by their studios. As the film industry evolves, major distributors must invest more deeply in storytelling that resonates with young, diverse audiences who seek stories reflecting their experiences and values.
Megan Townsend, GLAAD’s Senior Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis, expressed concern over the significant decrease in transgender representation. She noted that with less than 30% of American adults personally knowing someone who is transgender, the public may be more vulnerable to misinformation spread by anti-transgender activists.
GLAAD’s initiatives for better representation
To address these issues, GLAAD is spearheading several initiatives:
- The GLAAD List: A collection of unproduced scripts that highlight LGBTQ stories.
- Communities of Color team: Launched the Black Queer Creative Summit and the Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative.
- GLAAD Spirit Day: An annual event on October 17 to support LGBTQ youth.
- GLAAD Media Institute: Provides training and resources for better LGBTQ representation.
- GLAAD Research Department: Continues to analyze and report on LGBTQ representation in media.
Personal reflections for cinema and TV enthusiasts
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s heartening to see the strides made in LGBTQ representation, yet the decline in the number of films featuring these characters is concerning. Films like Next Goal Wins and ¡Que Viva Mexico! are steps in the right direction, but the industry must do more to ensure diverse and accurate portrayals.
For those passionate about music, the landscape is similarly evolving. Albums and songs that celebrate LGBTQ themes and artists are becoming more mainstream, yet there is still a long way to go. Platforms like Music Beep offer a treasure trove of LGBTQ music that deserves more attention.
The road ahead
The findings from GLAAD’s 2023 Studio Responsibility Index underscore the need for continued advocacy and action. As audiences, we have the power to demand better representation and support films and music that reflect the diversity of our world. By doing so, we can help create a media landscape that is truly inclusive and representative of all voices.