Arts & Entertainment
GLAAD study finds record number of LGBT characters on broadcast TV
‘bury your gays’ trope still a problem for queer women
(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)
It’s more likely that you’ll find an LGBT character on television while flipping through the channels than ever before.
LGBT characters are at an all-time high on broadcast television, according to GLAAD’s annual “Where We Are on TV” diversity study. This is the highest number of LGBT characters recorded since the organization first began the study 12 years ago.
Assessing 895 series regular characters on broadcast TV, the study found that 43 (4.8 %) identified as LGBT. The study also found that 28 recurring characters were LGBT. On streaming services 65% of characters are LGBT, an increase from last year’s 59%.
ABC, which airs shows like “Modern Family” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” is the network with the highest amount of LGBT characters at 7.3%. Fox, home to “Empire,” came in second with 6.4%.
GLAAD notes a trend that 25 queer female characters have been killed across all platforms, further backing the “bury your gays” trope featured on shows such as “Orange is the New Black,” “The Walking Dead,” Chicago Fire,” among others.
The trope caused an uproar on CW’s “The 100” when fan favorite Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Carey) was killed in the midst of developing a romantic relationship with the series lead Clarke (Eliza Taylor). Her death led fans of the show to start a fundraiser for The Trevor Project.
“While it is heartening to see progress being made in LGBTQ representation on television, it’s important to remember that numbers are only part of the story, and we must continue the push for more diverse and intricate portrayals of the LGBTQ community,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement. “GLAAD will continue to work with Hollywood to tell nuanced LGBTQ stories that accelerate acceptance — and hold the networks, streaming services, and content creators accountable for the images and storylines they present.”
Photos
PHOTOS: Helen Hayes Awards
Gay Men’s Chorus, local drag artists have featured performance at ceremony
The 41st Helen Hayes Awards were held at The Anthem on Monday, May 19. Felicia Curry and Mike Millan served as the hosts.
A performance featuring members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and local drag artists was held at the end of the first act of the program to celebrate WorldPride 2025.
The annual awards ceremony honors achievement in D.C.-area theater productions and is produced by Theatre Washington.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
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