Representation for Black and nonbinary actors in television increased during the pandemic

Representation for LGBTQ and nonbinary black actors in television has increased significantly in the past year, according to research by Variety Business Intelligence.

The study compared the breakdowns of series regulars in episodic TV series and main-title cast members for movies released during two distinct periods: the 18 months leading up to the pandemic (Oct. 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020) and the 18 months that followed (April 1, 2020, to Oct. 1, 2021).

The Entertainment Diversity Progress Report found that LGBTQ characters account for 5.5% of all series regulars on broadcast networks this season, up from 4.8% last year. The number of nonbinary characters has also doubled, accounting for 0.5% of all series regulars this season, up from 0.2% last year.

This progress is largely due to the success of shows like “Pose” and “Billions”, which both feature LGBTQ and nonbinary black actors in leading roles. In addition, networks are increasingly casting LGBTQ and nonbinary black actors in supporting roles, giving them a greater voice in the industry.

During the pandemic period, 70.5% of series released had a Black series regular, up notably 65.8% pre-pandemic. The number of films released with Black talent also increased (58.7% vs. 56.1%)

Women made up 42.7% of film roles during the pandemic, up from 41.6%. Female representation in TV climbed to 46.6% of series regular roles, up slightly from 44.5%.

Asian representation in film nearly doubled across main title roles, representing 32.5% of all movies released during the pandemic, up from 28% pre-pandemic. In TV, 35.9% of seasons released during the pandemic had at least one Asian series regular, up from 33.4%.

This progress is important not just for Black, LGBTQ and nonbinary actors, but for all actors of colour. This report is a contrast to the dismal findings for British TV which seem to have gone backwards in representation.

Television and film have a powerful influence on our culture, and it is essential that they reflect the diversity of the world we live in. By casting LGBTQ, nonbinary and black actors in more roles, networks are sending a message that everyone deserves to be represented on screen. Thanks to the hard work of LGBTQ and nonbinary black actors, that message is finally starting to be heard.