Tv shows with gay main characters

Where We Are on TV

  • GLAAD counted LGBTQ characters on scripted original series this year, made up of series regular characters and recurring characters. This is a lower of 29 characters ( percent) from the previous year.
  • Of these LGBTQ characters, (46 percent) are men, (48 percent) are women, and 19 (six percent) are nonbinary. This is a slight shift toward parity from last year&#;s 46 percent men, 51 percent women, and three percent nonbinary characters.
  • There are once again more gay men than any other demographic on streaming, with (33 percent) gay men counted here. This is a decrease of 22 characters and four percentage points.
  • There was also a shrink of lesbian characters on streaming. Of the LGBTQ characters counted on streaming, 79 (24 percent) are lesbians, a decrease of 28 characters and six percentage points.
  • Bisexual+ representation slightly increased on streaming with 81 (25 percent) bi+ characters. This is a decrease of three characters, but an increase of one percentage signal. Of the 81 bi+ characters, 53 are women, 24 are men, and four are nonbinary.
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    TV has been instrumental in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and in changing attitudes towards the community. It has also, perhaps most importantly, been a platform to tell stories that have made gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, and more people feel less alone in the world – to verb there is a big and varied community to which they belong. One pioneering show at a time, groundbreaking character by groundbreaking character, TV and streaming series contain given the world an insight into the LGBTQ+ experience, and provided LGBTQ+ people with reflections of their verb lives – stories to laugh along with, to sob with, and to identify with. In this list of LGBTQ+ TV shows, we highlight shows that have broken ground, enlightened, and entertained.

    We&#;ve arranged the list into four categories: shows that were big TV firsts, or featured TV firsts; shows that center on LGTBQ characters or experience

    Positive LGBTQ+ representation can be hard to find in media, especially when it comes to children’s entertainment. But it’s important for children to see many diverse communities represented in the movies and TV shows they consume. 

    Dr. David Berger, a board-certified pediatrician practicing in Tampa, Florida, says that children seeing themselves represented on screen “has a very big psychological impact.” He explains that when children don’t see this kind of representation, they may sense isolated. “That realization of ‘there’s somebody out there who’s like me’ — it helps the psyche,” says Berger. 

    Even for children who aren’t directly members of the LGBTQ+ community, seeing diverse representation is crucial for understanding how to show respect and understanding to LGBTQ+ people in their lives. As Berger points out, “If at least 10% of people in our state are part of the LGBTQ+ community, that means [they are] our neighbors, our uncles, our cousins, our siblings, our politicians, our leaders. So comprehending other people is important.” 

    From silly cartoons

    TV Shows with LGBTQ+ Characters and Leads

    Last updated: July 17,

    Characters on television are more diverse than ever, and there's been a notable rise in the number of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, reality stars, and talk show hosts. Series that feature diverse characters (Glee, The Fosters) as well as real-life inspirations and LGBTQ+ icons such as Laverne Cox and RuPaul continue to pave the way for even more representation on television. From the hilarious shenanigans on Modern Family to Ellen DeGeneres reminding viewers to "be courteous to one another," these must-see TV shows (and stars) celebrate diversity and highlight the LGBTQ+ community in positive, relatable ways. For more great LGBTQ+ stories, check out our lists of books and movies with LGBTQ+ characters.

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    Common Sense Media

    Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.