The latest edition of GLAAD’s “Where We Are On TV” report indicates a recent decline in LGBTQ characters and storylines.

As 2024 approaches Pride Month, GLAAD released its 19th study on Tuesday, highlighting declines and stagnation in LGBTQ representation, especially concerning transgender talent. Only 8.6% of series regulars in primetime scripted broadcast programming were LGBTQ. Of the 468 LGBTQ characters counted, 50% were people of color, but only 5.1% identified as transgender. Additionally, the study found that 36% of LGBTQ characters will not return next season.

“The findings from this year’s ‘Where We Are On TV’ study reveal several undeniable truths about LGBTQ storytelling,” said GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Successful LGBTQ-inclusive series like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Yellowjackets’ demonstrate this. It is crucial for the queer community, especially transgender people, to see our lives reflected on screen to counteract misinformation and harmful rhetoric. Younger audiences are eager for shows that accurately reflect the world around them. The path to impactful, long-lasting television is clear for studio executives, showrunners, and Hollywood, and the stakes could not be higher.”

The annual study tracks regular and recurring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer characters in original primetime scripted programming, covering the 2023-24 television season.

Key findings from GLAAD’s latest study include:

- LGBTQ series regulars made up 8.6% of primetime scripted broadcast programming, a decrease of 31 characters and 2% from the previous year.

- There were 49 LGBTQ series regulars and 28 LGBTQ recurring characters on primetime scripted cable, totaling 77 LGBTQ characters, a decrease of 62 from the previous study.

- Streaming scripted original programming featured 208 LGBTQ series regulars and 119 recurring LGBTQ characters, totaling 327 LGBTQ characters, a decrease of 29 from the 2022-23 study.

- Across all platforms (broadcast, cable, and streaming), 24 transgender characters were counted (5.1% of all LGBTQ characters), a decrease of eight characters and 0.3% from the previous study. This includes 11 trans women, five trans men, and eight trans non-binary characters.

- Of the 468 LGBTQ characters across all platforms, 232 (50%) were characters of color, a decrease of 72 characters and one percentage point from the previous study.

- Only one LGBTQ character (0.2%) counted this year is living with HIV: Tim Laughlin in Showtime’s miniseries “Fellow Travelers.”

- At least 170 of the 468 LGBTQ characters (36%) will not return due to series cancellations or endings, miniseries/anthology formats, or a character’s exit from the show. Specifically, 112 LGBTQ characters (24%) will not return due to series cancellation or ending.

GLAAD’s senior director of Entertainment Research & Analysis Megan Townsend noted the report’s “concerning decreases,” which the entertainment industry must address. 

“GLAAD’s ‘Where We Are on TV’ study identified numerous concerning decreases over the past two years amidst an industry experiencing increased vertical integration and contracting budgets and staff,” Townsend said. “LGBTQ storytelling is powerful and essential for key audiences. Networks and streamers aiming to stay relevant and maintain brand longevity with the growing LGBTQ audience should focus on stabilization. This includes multi-season orders, prompt renewals, and a sustained investment in inclusive storytelling through substantial marketing, promotion, and production budgets for both new and returning titles.”