And since the percentage of individuals identifying as LGB in the U.S. Smith's study found that of the 4,544 characters that could be evaluated for apparent sexuality across the 100 top films of 2016, only 51 or 1.1% were lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Smith examined portrayals of gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability in the 100 top grossing fictional films each year, starting in 2007.ĭr.
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In her study, Inequality in 900 Popular Films, Dr.
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Stacy Smith, the founder of the Media, Diversity & Social Change Initiative at USC, does research that supports Tu’s view.
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While Townsend pointed out the rise of LGBTQ+ characters in TV and streaming, the same cannot be said for feature films.ĭr. Though one might be tempted to ask whether gay people shouldn’t play straight roles, it’s important to note that the number of notable straight roles per year is limitless, while the same cannot be said for gay roles, especially on the silver screen. Furthermore, the study discovered that nearly half of lesbian and gay respondents believed casting directors and studio execs saw them as being less marketable for romantic leads, and that more than half of LGB performers who responded “have heard directors and producers make anti-gay comments about actors.” The study found that 53% of LGBT respondents believed that directors and producers are biased against LGBTQ+ performers, and 31% of non-LGBTQ+ respondents agreed with that assessment. A 2013 study conducted by UCLA’s LGBTQ+ think tank, Williams Institute, surveyed 5,700 SAG-AFTRA members and created an image of an insidiously homophobic Hollywood. “The majority of LGBTQ characters are men and cisgender.”Īccording to firsthand accounts, the major issues that underlie the Gay for Pay Problem are discriminatory casting practices, and deeply held beliefs that LGB actors are less marketable. “In all forms of television that GLAAD tracks, LGBTQ characters are still predominantly white (77% of LGBTQ characters on streaming, 62% on broadcast, 64% on cable),” Townsend says. She adds that this year, the number of LGBTQ+ regular and recurring characters is up across broadcast, cable, and streaming originals, so it is crucial to recognize where programming still falls short. Megan Townsend, the director of entertainment research at GLAAD, says it’s also not an issue of there not being LGB roles. “We should give LGBTQ talent the opportunities and roles that reflect our lives and our identities.” “I think what’s clear is that there are a lot of great LGBTQ actors in Hollywood, and that there are plenty who are ready to play LGBTQ roles,” says Sarah McBride, the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. The exact forces that decide why it’s preferable for straight actors to play LGB roles are murky, but one thing is for certain, actor availability is not an issue. While those characters were positive in terms of queer representation - even when so many of them characters are gay white men - it’s often disappointing for queer viewers to learn that LGB actors didn’t play these parts. Many queer folk grew up with popular queer media narratives helmed by straight actors, including Eric McCormack as Will on Will & Grace, Gale Harold as Brian Kinney on Queer as Folk, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as Ennis and Jack in Brokeback Mountain, or Eric Stonestreet as Cam on Modern Family.