Strikes Risk Stalling Hollywood's LGBTQ Representation Momentum

Hollywood is facing a critical moment in its journey toward more balanced and diverse representation, warns SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. According to a report from LGBTQ civil rights organization, GLAAD, there has been marked progress in the inclusion of LGBTQ characters in Hollywood storylines. Yet, due to the ongoing strikes of actors and writers, this growth in representation could be at risk.

The report also highlights a new venture between GLAAD, SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild: the “Studio Responsibility Index”. A press conference to present the Index will challenge film studio leadership to honor their commitment to the LGBTQ community and wider audience. It will make the case for ending the current strikes swiftly and fairly, so as to protect the strides made in LGBTQ representation.

Drescher speaks passionately on the matter, declaring that a small but vociferous portion of the population is intent on spreading fear and deteriorating inclusive storytelling. The president further stressed the longer the industry remains in deadlock due to the AMPTP companies’ lack of negotiation, the greater the risk to the progress made in diversity representation.

A decade's worth of data from GLAAD shows that LGBTQ-inclusive films grew by a stellar 50%. Among the 350 films from 2021, 100, or 28.6%, featured at least one identifiably LGBTQ character. These represent the highest figures in the 11 years of GLAAD’s study. However, this must be considered alongside the fact that the number of films recorded has dramatically increased undernew methodology. This new approach now includes streaming services for the first time.

The report pinpointed more 2022 records; highest number of non-binary characters (10), transgender characters (12) and LGBTQ characters depicted with disabilities (11)-though this 4% representation is thought to undervalue the actual population of queer people with disabilities severely. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s president & CEO, called for the quick resolution of the ongoing strikes and emphasized the importance of LGBTQ representation in affecting cultural change.

Assessing representation across the 10 most significant studio distributors, grades were assigned to each. While no studio has ever attained an “Excellent” grade, three managed a “Good” grade in 2022: The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and A24. At the other end of the scale, Lionsgate and AppleTV+ received a “Failing” and “Poor” grade, respectively.

Now, let's add a bit of color to this black-and-white film we’re screening.

It's already heartening to see that the spotlight illuminating the flashing letters of H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-D isn't stuck on a monochromatic filter. The shift from the silent acceptance of homogeneity to the Boasian celebration of cultural diversity is like swapping a cookie-cutter, mass-produced film reel for a kaleidoscope of brilliant hues.

With studios rolling out rainbows on their silver screens, it's clear Hollywood has been tuning in, making "love is love" more than just a checkout-counter slogan. However, remember, my friends, progress isn't a free ticket to the premiere. Instead, it's a rain-check dependent on continued commitment and action.

Now, let's put the spotlight on the AMPTP companies. It's like they're in the movie theater bathroom, washing their hands, while an unforeseen plot twist is happening in the cinema. Refusing to come back to the negotiating table, they risk missing the crucial turn in this diversity narrative.

Also, let's give a standing ovation to the leading trio: The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and A24, graduating from the usual "Needs Improvement" to the honor roll. But with their good grades, it feels like they’re hitting a glass ceiling coated with an "excellence" repellant. Can we not break this glass ceiling and see a studio receives an "excellent" grade? Is that the sequel we're all waiting for?

Stealing the spotlight is GLAAD. It's the script doctor Hollywood didn't know it needed. With the "Studio Responsibility Index," it holds a detailed script of the studios' performance, and it's not afraid to give constructive criticism.

Whether or not Hollywood will enjoy a happily ever after in diversity representation depends on the studios writing a better storyline and the AMPTP companies deciding to sit back down at the bargaining table. After all, we've all seen enough cliffhangers, want to see a sequel where the name "LGBTQ" gets top billing, not just a cameo.