Report show highest LGBTQ+ representation in TV history

Recently the percentage of LGBTQ+ representation on American television has increased with shows such as “Pose” and characters such as Nia Nal the first transgender superhero on “Supergirl.”

According to GLAAD, an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people, featuring characters such as these helps normalize acceptance of the community and attracts large audiences.

GLADD recently released their annual report displaying 8.8 percent of common television characters are LGBTQ+, which is the highest since the group started its observation of the issue 14 years ago.

“With anti-LGBTQ policies being debated here and abroad, the stories and characters on television are more critical than ever before to build understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ people,” GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement obtained by Reuters.

The report was released parallel to the news of President Donald Trump’s attempt to define America as either male or female based on their genitals they’re born with.

The president’s latest attack on the LGBTQ+ sparked more outrage so this report reveals the importance for gender fluidity and tolerance.

“Shows like ‘Will & Grace,’ ‘Supergirl,’ ‘Empire’ and ‘How To Get Away with Murder’ all attract millions of viewers weekly and demonstrate that audiences are hungry for new stories,” Ellis added.

GLADD is hoping to see LGBTQ+ characters make up at least 10 percent of the regular series on TV by 2020.

Copyright The Gayly. 10/25/2018 @ 2:42 p.m. CST.