Studies Reveal LGBTQ Characters In 'LGBTQ' Films With A Decreasing Category

Photo illustration (Daniel James / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - A new study reveals that there has been a decline in LGBTQ characters in films that have aired for three consecutive years.

The GLAAD 2020 Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) researches and reports on the quantity, quality and diversity of LGBTQ characters in the highest grossing theatrical films of 2019.

Last year saw representations of LGBTQ + characters in 118 films released by major studios, but this study suggests that the racial diversity of LGBTQ characters has shrunk for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, the transgender character is nowhere to be seen.

The study focuses on the films released by eight studios and their four subsidiaries: Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, STX Films, United Artists Releasing, Universal Pictures, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros.

GLAAD called the decline in non-white LGBTQ characters "concerning," after the racial diversity of LGBTQ characters in films fell for the third year in a row. 34 percent of LGBTQ characters in 2019 were people of color, which is down from 42 percent in 2018 and 57 percent in 2017.

"GLAAD asks the studio to ensure that within two years at least half of their LGBTQ characters are people of color," the advocacy group said in a statement released by NME, Monday, July 20.

As for transgender representation in 2019, no trans characters were featured in the major studio releases for the third consecutive year.

The representation of lesbian and bisexual people also fell. Gay men were featured in 68 percent of inclusive films which is an increase from 55 percent last year. However, lesbian representation dropped significantly by 36 percent.

Meanwhile, bisexual representation has slumped to 14 percent, with only three films featuring this character.

"Despite seeing this year's record high percentage of LGBTQ inclusive films, the industry still has a long way to go to fairly and accurately representing the LGBTQ community," said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.

"If film studios are to remain relevant to today's audiences and compete in an industry that emphasizes diversity and inclusion, then they must immediately reverse the direction of the diminishing representation of LGBTQ women and people of color, and a complete absence of trans characters," she added. .

Meanwhile, The Eternals will be the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to include same-sex kisses, as well as openly gay couples.

Speaking to NewNowNext, actor Haaz Sleiman discussed his character's relationship with Phastos. "I'm married to gay superhero Phastos, played by Brian Tyree Henry from Atlanta, and we represent a gay family and have children," explains Sleiman.