More Gay and Transgender Characters Are on TV

Cable TV and streaming media have been on the forefront of including characters from the LGBTQ community in their shows, according to a recent New York Times feature article. An annual report released by GLAAD titled “Where We Are On TV” analyzed the number of LGBT characters on cable networks as well as the overall diversity of primetime scripted regulars for the 2015-16 season.

LGBT Community Representation By the Numbers

GLAAD’s study found that 35 of the almost 900 regular characters scheduled to appear on primetime television were identified as part of the LGBTQ community. That translates to a total of four percent. In addition, there are another 35 characters with recurring roles that fall within the same group. Scripted cable series saw an increase of 20 LGBTQ regular characters and almost as much (at 17) for recurring LGBTQ characters. Since GLAAD starting reporting these diversity numbers in 2005, this was the first year it included streaming series in its census. These shows included four transgender characters, two with leading roles. According to the report, no transgender characters appear on prime-time broadcast TV and cable has just three recurring transgender roles. Overall, the number of bisexual characters increased across mediums.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) prohibits employers – private or public – from discriminating against employees or potential employees on the basis of sex, color, race, religion and national origin. This federal law generally applies to employers with 15 or more workers and includes federal, state, and local governments. In addition, Title VII applies to public and private colleges and universities, labor organizations and employment agencies.

While Title VII went into full effect over five decades ago, gender and race discrimination is still prevalent in workplaces across our nation. This is especially true for individuals within the LGBTQ community, who face higher rates of workplace discrimination and harassment when compared to their colleagues. Indeed, according to AmericanProgress.org, the statistics are staggering:

• Between 15 and 43 percent of gay people have experienced some type of workplace harassment or discrimination;
• As much as 90 percent of transgender workers have reported the same job-related issues;
• Between eight and 17 percent of gay and transgender workers have reported being looked over for, or fired from, a job because of sexual orientation or identity;
• Between 10 and 28 percent of workers received negative performance evaluations or were not given a promotion directly because his or her gay or transgender status; AND
• Between seven and 41 percent of gay and transgender workers report physical or verbal abuse at work including vandalization of his or her workspace.

Employment Discrimination Lawyers

While some progress is being made, members of the LGBTQ community are disproportionately being discriminated against or harassed because of gender or sexual orientation. No one should have to suffer through this in silence. If you or someone you know believes he or she has been the victim of workplace prejudice, contact the compassionate and aggressive employment discrimination lawyers at Ricotta & Marks, P.C. These legal professionals are well-versed in all matters relating to employment law, at the state and federal levels. Call (716) 301-2704 today for your initial consultation.

The post More Gay and Transgender Characters Are on TV appeared first on Ricotta & Marks, P.C..