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GLAAD report has depressing findings: just 17 out of 102 studio films contained LGBT characters

GLAAD has released its second annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), a report that maps the quantity, quality and diversity of images of LGBT people in films released by the seven largest motion picture studios during the 2013 calendar year.

It isn’t pretty.

GLAAD found that of the 102 releases from the major studios in 2013, only 17 of them included characters identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. The majority of these characters were minor roles or cameos, and GLAAD found that many of these were outright defamatory representations in films such as Pain & Gain and Riddick.

Says GLAAD’s CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis: “The lack of substantial LGBT characters in mainstream film, in addition to the outdated humor and stereotypes suggests large Hollywood studios may be doing more harm than good when it comes to worldwide understanding of the LGBT community.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.”

Both Paramount and Warner Brothers received “failing” grades for including only minor and offensive portrayals of LGBT people in their 2013 releases. 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios received grades of “adequate.”

“LGBT people come from all walks of life; we’re your family members, coworkers, neighbors, and peers” said Ellis. “Hollywood should strive to reflect that truth, rather than turn us into jokes or simply edit us out.”

To view the report visit www.glaad.org/sri.

FILE UNDER: GLAAD

Comments

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One Remark

  1. That is a sad findings but the light at the end of that tunnel would be, that there are so many more LGTB people behind the scenes in the movie making business. Wouldn’t that be something for GLAAD, who has been very vocal and instrumental in making sure that the LGTB community is properly represented adn couldn’t be more happy that they have all of our backs in this international community of millions. However, if GLAAD spend too much time worrying about why there is only a few, why not celebrate them (the few)and the LGTB people that no one hears about. The stylists on the films, the make-up and costume/wardrobe people and that list can go on and on but those people are just as important as the actors and actresses. With the folks behind-the-scene, the show wouldn’t go on and the Tony Awards are the only ones that really get it. When people kid and poke fun about The Tony Awards, I have to say it really breaks me up sometimes because whether or not it is jokingly considered and called “The Gayest Celebration On TV”, all those people behind-the-scenes, especially all the LGTB people are recognized and honored, even being nominated on this world stage. Most if not all of them are there with their parnters, lovers and even husbands and wives and it’s glorious to see that kind of appreciate and that kind of love for what they do and who they love all on one night. Their accomplishments are honored, appreciated and respected and sometimes it’s a Who’s Who of the LGTB community and others times it’s people you have never seen but should keep your eyes open for.

    I’m so thankful that GLAAD put the report out but I don’t think it’s going to stop the LGTB community from going to movies. Even if the storyline is about Cher and Cliff, as a proud card carrying member of the LGTB community, I have to sometimes add my own version to the movie I’m watching and then I’m thinking of Cliff and Cliff or Cher and Cher. Even better I’m praying that Cher is transwoman dating Cliff a transman and they are about to blow things up and turn things out. I was a fan of all the black and white films of the 40′s, 50′s and beyond and even though the most beautiful actor in that time for me was James Cagney, I still envisioned him a bit taller because he was a itsy bitsy man but just BEAUTIFUL. Even better, I envisioned him 100% gay and just loving me because at that time, there weren’t any gay-themed movies that I could relate too and if the actors or actresses were gay, you never found out until they were either dead or retired from the business. There wasn’t a gay version of Romeo and Juliet but when you are gay, you have to envision it.

    It is time however for LGTB theme movies not to be seen not only in art house style releases or limited theatre releases but in an IMAX theatre and even in 3D. I’m still waiting for the gay version of James Bond to happen. I been hearing about it for years and years and still nothing even close. Ruppert Everett was rumored to have had this role but nothing has ever come of it. There are so many incredible LGTB entertainers why aren’t they up in arms? I figured out that they have to make a living as well and they normally take anything available. LGTB characters should not just be secondary characters or an after-thought to and for the film but we have to be the central figures, the leads.
    Why can’t there be a big budget LGTB theme movie? Who’s going to make the next ‘Brokeback Mountain’ is what I want to know?
    Why couldn’t ‘Normal Heart’ been a big-budget and worldwide theatre release? It had big name stars and Ryan Murphy can do know wrong as far as Hollywood is concerned.

    I love GLAAD and thankful for all they do but they have get on top of the real issues and start pressuring some of the LGTB community that work in the industry, to get on top of their bosses (The Power That Be) in Hollywood to make some serious changes.

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