TV needs more gays, says group

Sixteen homosexual characters are depicted in network TV series scheduled for the 2005-06 season, a small increase over last year but still inadequate, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation says.

Out of 710 characters appearing on a regular or recurring basis on the six major broadcast networks in the new season, about 2 percent are gay, lesbian or bisexual, according to the group’s annual study.

Last season, GLAAD counted 11 homosexual characters on network shows.

While there is no definitive figure available for the U.S. gay and lesbian population, GLAAD believes the pecentage is “certainly higher” than that represented on network TV, spokesman Damon Romine said.

“This is a shocking misrepresentation of reality and of the audience watching these programs,” Romine said.

Although GLAAD has conducted the study for 10 years, this was the first time the specific percentage of gay characters on TV was calculated, Romine said. The figure is intended to provide a benchmark to measure progress in future seasons.

Many gay and lesbian characters fall into minor or supporting roles in the new season, GLAAD found. Homosexual characters also tend to lack ethnic and gender diversity.

The study looked at 110 scripted shows and found 16 characters on 14 shows. There were 13 males and three females. Thirteen were white.

“If you’re looking at network television to see a good cross-section of our community, you’re not going to find it,” Romine said. “What you will find is primarily gay white males.”