LGBT diversity in Hollywood is actually getting worse, new study claims

GLAAD's survey revealed that the number of non-white LGBT characters in major studio films has dropped by nearly 7%

Hollywood's major studios should learn from smaller independent ones which are improving LGBT visibility

Hollywood’s race problem is worsening when it comes to non-white LGBT characters, with the number dropping by nearly seven per cent year on year.

Out of 126 films released by major studios within the past 12 months, just 17 per cent (22) featured a LGBT character, a survey by GLAAD has revealed.

The US organisation, which works to prevent discrimination in the media and promote the understanding, acceptance and equality of LGBT people, noted that while this figure remains consistent with last year, when LGBT characters appeared in 20 out of 114 films, there has been a worrying dive in racial diversity.

Of the 22 films to feature LGBT characters, 25.5 per cent were non-white compared to 32.1 per cent last year. Only 6.4 per cent of were Asian and just 8.5 per cent were black.

Neither Disney nor Paramount featured any LGBT characters in their respective 11 and 12 films from 2015, while Lionsgate fared best with eight out of 24 films including the LGBT community.

Only one major Hollywood film, Hot Pursuit with Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara, featured a transgender character. Shockingly, this was a rise from last year.

Sarah Kate Ellis, GlAAD CEO and president, criticised Hollywood films for “lagging far behind” television when it comes to portrayals of LGBT characters. “Too often, the few LGBT characters that make it to the big screen are the target of a punchline or token characters,” she said. “The film industry must embrace new and inclusive stories if it wants to remain competitive and relevant.”

GLAAD’s survey will do nothing to help Hollywood’s dire reputation for diversity following the recent #OscarsSoWhite controversy, when the Academy’s acting nominees were all-white for the second year running.

While the independent film industry has been working to strengthen the voice of the LGBT community with the likes of Carol, The Danish Girl, Tangerine and Freeheld, it seems Hollywood’s major players need to pull their socks up, and fast.