Studio Strikes Threaten LGBTQ Representation in Hollywood

Hollywood has made significant strides in its inclusion of LBGTQ characters. However, these accomplishments may now be at risk due to the unwillingness of studios to resolve ongoing strikes by actors and writers, says SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. The will to combat the setback was folded into a new initiative titled the "Studio Responsibility Index," unveiled during a recent press conference organized by GLAAD, SAG-AFTRA, and the Writers Guild. The Index is a response to the call to challenge the film studio leadership about their commitment to the LGBTQ community and audiences, and about their need to resolve the disputes on hand with striking creators and writers, so that hard-fought gains in LGBTQ representation are not lost.

Drescher articulates the nuances of the situation, highlighting how a small but vocal part of the populous seeks to repress storytelling that presents the vast richness of human experiences. The prolongation of the stalemate between AMPTP companies and the entertainment industry jeopardizes the progress made in inclusive representation.

Taking a look toward the progress made, GLAAD’s latest report uncovers a promising trend. Over a period of ten years, the presence of LGBTQ inclusive films has seen a significant jump of 50%, or in other words, a growth of 1.5 times. This surge comes as the fruits of GLAAD's annual study and its consistent engagements with studio leadership and creatives. A survey of 350 films from the previous year revealed a record-breaking inclusion of 100 LGBTQ characters, accounting for nearly 29%.

However, 2022 also delivered some notable “record highs" in representation. Ten non-binary characters found their way onto the screen, as well as twelve transgender characters. Additionally, creators showcased eleven LGBTQ characters with disabilities. Despite what might seem like progress, it's important to underscore that this still significantly underrepresents the queer community with disabilities, which amounts to a mere 4%.

Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, stands in solidarity with the SAG-AFTRA and the Writer's Guild of America regarding their irreplaceable roles in crafting genuine depictions of LGBTQ characters on screen. The striking writers and performers need to return to the industry so the hard-won advancements in LGBTQ representation persists.

The GLAAD survey observed and graded top studios based on the frequency and quality of their depiction of LGBTQ characters. Disney, NBCUniversal, and A24 received laurels as the only companies classified as “Good.” On a less promising note, Lionsgate received a “Failing” grade and AppleTV+ was deemed “Poor.”

Now, let's put things into perspective. Did it feel like a rollercoaster as you read about the simultaneous highs and lows on the LGBTQ representation front? If you answered yes, welcome to modern Hollywood where progress moves at a glacial pace while generating opposition at a speed that feels almost supersonic.

And while this story may sound very Hollywood-esque - a suspenseful plot, A-list actors, villains, and heroes; what's at stake here is much larger. On one hand, you have hard evidence that representation matters - a whopping 89% of young LGBTQ people reporting a positive impact on their identity through the visibility of their community in film and television. On the other, you've got an ongoing, threatening strike potentially poised to scuttle that representation.

In an industry that thrives on storytelling, it's deeply ironic that its own narrative should be one fraught with inconsistencies and contradictions. Streaming services have broadened the canvas for storytelling, allowing larger inclusion, but does that mask the persistent systemic issues lurking beneath the dramatic increases in representation?

"Insufficient", "Poor", and an alarming "Failing" - those aren't the credits we want to see rolling at the end of this film. I’m not one to root for a sequel, but there are some unresolved plotlines here I'd genuinely like to see continue - providing, of course, that the sequel delivers a healthy boost in representation, a fair end to the strikes, and a path towards more empathy and authenticity in storytelling. For Hollywood, which has its own star on the walk of fame for selling dreams, let's hope this is one that comes true.