LGBTQ+ representation in films decreased in 2021, according to GLAAD
According to GLAAD’s 10th annual Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), there was a decrease in the percentage of LGBTQ+ visibility in films last year.
The report “maps the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ characters in films released by the seven film studio distributors that had the highest theatrical grosses from films released in the 2021 calendar year.” The distributors that the SRI analyse are as follows: The Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, and United Artists Releasing.
Only 20.8 percent (16 out of 77) of films in 2021 included LGBTQ+ characters. Although this is an increase from the previous year, with 10 out of 44 films containing LGBTQ+ characters in 2020, the overall percentage was lower (22.7%).
The report also tracked “the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ characters in the year’s slate, as well as actions from the studios and parent companies that either supported or harmed the LGBTQ community.” GLAAD’s “good” and “excellent” ratings were not awarded to a single studio, with both Lionsgate and Paramount receiving “failing grades” while Warner Bros got “poor”.
