GLAAD criticises ‘lack of substantial LGBT characters’ in films
By Sam Rigby
The findings of GLAAD’s annual Studio Responsibility Index has been revealed.
The organisation have criticised the lack of “substantial LGBT characters in mainstream film”, and have issued failing grades to two major studios.
According to the latest study, only 17 of the 102 mainstream Hollywood releases in 2013 featured characters who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual, but many of these representations have been labelled as minor and offensive by GLAAD.
Paramount and Warner Bros. were issued failing grades for their poor representation of the LGBT community, while 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, Universal and Walt Disney studios were labelled “adequate”.
Meanwhile, Sony Pictures has become the first and only studio to receive a positive report. GLAAD identified various films from the studio that have included positive representations of the LGBT community, including Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.
LAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement: “The lack of substantial LGBT characters in mainstream film, in addition to the outdated humour and stereotypes suggests large Hollywood studios may be doing more harm than good when it comes to worldwide understanding of the LGBT community.
“These studios have the eyes and ears of millions of audience members, and should reflect the true fabric of our society rather than feed into the hatred and prejudice against LGBT people too often seen around the globe.”
Pain and Gain, Anchorman 2 and Identity Thief were identified as just some of the films to feature offensive portrayals of the LGBT community.
Former Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies recently said that British television has a long way to go in the representation of gay people on screen – read more here.
For more details about GLAAD’s findings click here.