Arts & Entertainment
Study finds LGBT inequality ‘entrenched’ in Hollywood
only one transgender character found in 2015
Cate Blanchett as the title character in Todd Haynes’ ‘Carol.’ (Photo courtesy Weinstein Productions)
A new study has found rampant inequality in Hollywood for LGBT people, women and minorities.
Los Angeles Times reports the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism released a study on Wednesday that assessed actors, directors and writers in mainstream films from 2007 through 2015.
The study showed LGBT characters make up less than one percent of speaking parts or 32 out of 35,205 characters. In 2014 there were no transgender characters, but the number increased to one in 2015.
LGBT character representation increased in 2015, but only two characters were depicted as parents.
The study also found that there was a ratio of 2.2 men with speaking roles for every woman making females 31.4 percent of speaking characters in 2015. The numbers were estimated to be about the same back in 2007.
The number of black, Latino and Asian characters also did not significantly increase from 2007 to 2015 with 12 percent black, five percent Latino and four percent Asian characters found.
“We’re seeing entrenched inequality,” Professor Stacy Smith, the study’s author, said about the findings. “Whether we’re studying gender, race, ethnicity, LGBT or characters with disabilities, we’re really seeing exclusionary forces leaving out anybody that’s not a straight, white, able-bodied man. Despite all the chatter and all the activism and all the press attention, it’s another year where the status quo has been maintained.”
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
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HIV Vaccine Awareness Day set for May 18
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Calendar: May 15-21
United Night Out set for Saturday
