A new study by GLAAD that focused in on major Hollywood studios 20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures, Sony Columbia, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers exposes lack of LGBT exposure in mainstream movies.
The study looked at 101 films released by the “big six” studios in 2012 and found that there were zero trans characters and only 14 (mostly minor) characters who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Gay characters were the most represented in the 24 comedic movies released in 2012, with nine of the studio’s 14 gay characters appearing in comedies.
Out of 34 sci-fi or fantasy films, only three featured an LGBT character. The gay character in The Avengers was out news anchor Thomas Roberts, who was playing himself.
Out of 21 dramatic films, there was only one gay character, the same as in the four documentaries released.
There were no LGBT characters in any animated or family films.
Sixty-three percent of the characters represented were gay males, with less than a third being lesbian.
“As television has become increasingly inclusive – including a record high percentage of LGBT characters in the 2012-2013 broadcast season – the film industry is lagging behind,” GLAAD’s report concluded. “Though indie film still produces some of the most groundbreaking L.G.B.T. stories, major film studios appear reluctant to include LGBT characters in significant roles or franchises. As a major influence in American culture and one of our nation’s largest media exports abroad, the lack of LGBT characters in big-budget films needs to change. Until LGBT characters are depicted in these films in a substantial way with more regularity, there will remain the appearance of LGBT bias on the studios’ part. Whether it’s an action hero or a supporting character, moviegoers should be able to see LGBT people as integral players in the stories told by leading Hollywood studios.”
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