Arts & Entertainment

GLAAD film report spotlights zero trans representation in major studio films

Disney included no LGBTQ characters

Published

6 years ago

May 23, 2019

2018 gay movies, gay news, Washington Blade — **Nick Robinson** in ‘Love Simon.’ (Photo by Ben Rothstein; courtesy Twentieth Century Fox)

There were no transgender characters in the 110 of major studio films released in 2018, according to a film report from GLAAD.

GLAAD’s annual Studio Responsibility Index observed that when it comes to transgender representation television is putting in the work while film is lagging far behind.

“In the year that saw the groundbreaking television series ‘Pose’ put a multitude of trans stories front and center and trans creators behind the scenes, ‘Supergirl’ introduced America to TV’s first trans superhero, and ‘A Fantastic Woman’ took home an Oscar; there were still no transgender characters in any major studio film,” the report reads.

Racial diversity also severely declined. LGBTQ characters of color dropped 15 percent from 2017 although LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islanders (API) representation did increase from zero in 2017 to 13 percent (six characters).

20th Century Fox had the greatest amount of LGBTQ representation with 40 percent in its 10 releases (four films); followed by Universal at 30 percent (six out of 20 films); Warner Bros. came in at 22 percent (five out of 23 films); Paramount had 20 percent (two out of 10 films); Sony came in at 11 percent (two out of 18 films); and Lionsgate trailed behind with five percent (one out of 19 films).

GLAAD called out Disney, the studio that “has the weakest history when it comes to LGBTQ inclusion,” for including zero LGBTQ characters.

In 2018, Disney released 10 films including box-office hits “Black Panther” and “Incredibles 2,” but none of these films included LGBTQ representation. GLAAD’s 2020 report may look different for Disney as the studio’s film “Disney’s Jungle Cruise” will include its first openly gay character, portrayed by Jack Whitehall.

Overall, there were some achievements. For the first time, there was an equal number of gay and lesbian characters represented. The LGBTQ characters also received more screen time.

“The successful releases of films including ‘Love, Simon,’ ‘Deadpool 2’ and ‘Blockers,’ brought fresh LGBTQ stories to audiences around the world and have raised the bar for LGBTQ inclusion in film,” Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President and CEO, said in a statement. “While the film industry should include more stories of LGBTQ people of color and transgender people, studios are finally addressing the calls from LGBTQ people and allies around the world who want to see more diversity in films.”

Read the full report here.

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Calendar

Calendar: March 21-27

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

4 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, March 21

“Center Aging Friday Tea Time” will be at 2 p.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This event is ideal for making new friends, professional networking, idea-sharing, and community building. This event is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, March 22

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Black Lesbian Support Group will be at 11 a.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-led support group devoted to the joys and challenges of being a Black lesbian. You do not need to be a member of the Beta Kappa Chapter or the Beta Phi Omega Sorority in order to join, but they do ask that you either identify as a lesbian or are questioning that aspect of your identity. For more details, email [email protected].

Sunday, March 23

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Coffee and Conversation” at 1:30 p.m. at As You Are. This event is for someone looking to make more friends and meaningful connections in the LGBTQ community. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, March 24

“Center Aging Monday Coffee & Conversation” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more details, email [email protected].

Queer Book Club will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This month’s read is “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz. For more information, email [email protected].

Tuesday, March 25

Genderqueer DC will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This support group is for people who identify outside of the gender binary – whether you’re bigender, agender, genderfluid, or just know that you’re not 100% cis. For more details, visit genderqueerdc.org or Facebook.

Coming Out Discussion Group will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a peer-facilitated discussion group and a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. For more details, visit the group’s Facebook.

Wednesday, March 26

Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.

LGBTQ Senior Spring Fling Dinner and Dance will be at 6 p.m. at the True Reformer Building. Join Capitol Hill Village, DACL, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, Iona, and Seabury for its first-ever event of this kind, where there’ll be a DJ, special party favors, and lots of good food. To RSVP, visit the DC Center’s website.

Thursday, March 27

The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5 p.m. if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.

Virtual Yoga with Sarah M. will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a free weekly class focusing on yoga, breath work, and meditation. For more details, visit the DC Center for the LGBT Community’s website.

Photos

PHOTOS: Ziegfeld’s/Secrets Reunion Party

Crush event celebrates legendary venue

Published

2 days ago

March 19, 2025

Michael Key

Ella Fitzgerald performs at the Ziegfeld's/Secrets Reunion Party at Crush Dance Bar on Saturday, March 15. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

A Ziegfeld’s/Secrets Reunion Party was held on Saturday, March 15 at Crush Dance Bar. The event celebrated and remembered the legendary local LGBTQ venue Ziegfeld’s/Secrets, closed in 2020. Performers at the reunion party drag show included Ella Fitzgerald, Destiny B. Childs, Tatiyanna Voche and Kristal Smith.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)