Arts & Entertainment
GLAAD report finds decline in LGBT representation in Hollywood
Numbers have plunged since 2016
‘A Fantastic Woman’ from Sony Pictures Classic is one of the few films with solid LGBTQ representation in 2017. (Screenshot via YouTube)
Major film studios are severely lacking in LGBT representation, according to GLAAD’s annual Studio Responsibility Index.
The report analyzed the 2017 film releases from 20th Century Fox, Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions, Paramount, Sony, Sony Pictures Classics, Universal, Focus Features, Disney and Warner Bros. Out of the 109 major film releases only 14 (12.8 percent) included LGBTQ characters. There were also no transgender characters included in these films.
This is a decrease from 2016 which had 23 out of 125 films (18.4%) include LGBTQ representation.
Only nine of the LGBTQ characters passed the Vito Russo Test, GLAAD’s LGBTQ equivalent of the Bechdel Test. In order to pass the test, characters must identify as LGBTQ, not be defined by their sexual or gender identity and must be significant to the plot. However, 64 percent of 2017 films passed the test which is 20 points higher than 2016.
Indie films released from smaller studios such as Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures Classics had more positive LGBTQ inclusion. “Battle of the Sexes,” starring Emma Stone as Billie Jean King and “The Shape of Water,” which features Richard Jenkins as a gay ad illustrator, from Fox Searchlight offered LGBT representation. Sony Pictures Classics also released “A Fantastic Woman” starring transgender actress Daniela Vega as a transgender character.
The report also noted an increase in film characters’ racial diversity.
“With wildly successful films like ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Black Panther’ proving that audiences want to see diverse stories that haven’t been told before, there is simply no reason for major studios to have such low scores on the Studio Responsibility Index,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO, in a statement. “At a time when the entertainment industry is holding much-needed discussions about inclusion, now is the time to ensure the industry takes meaningful action and incorporates LGBTQ stories and creators as among priorities areas for growing diversity.”
GLAAD is hopeful that 2018 will be a better year for LGBTQ inclusion noting the recent film releases of “Love, Simon” and “Blockers.”
GLAAD called for film studios to strive for 20 percent of annual films to include LGBTQ characters by 2021 rising to 50 percent by 2024.
Read the complete study here.
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)
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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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