GLAAD’s annual “Where Are We on TV” report has Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes upset. According to TVLine, the survey noted Rhimes as being one of four executive producers highlighting LGTBQ characters on their TV series. Rhimes joined Lena Waithe (Twenties, The Chi), Ryan Murphy (The Prom, Ratched), and Greg Berlanti (Stargirl, Nancy Drew) as accounting for 17% of all queer representation throughout all shows in 2020. However, Rhimes is the only heterosexual creator on the list.
According to TVLine, Rhimes announced her disappointment with being the only one on Twitter. Rhimes stated “You know what bugs me? I’m the only straight person on this list. That is not okay.” She went on and compared straight people failing to include queer characters along with white creators failing to be inclusive with people of color characters.
According to TVLine, GLAAD reported LGBTQ representation trended down overall because of the limits presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Many shows were either unable to film or found themselves canceled or “un-renewed” due to the unforeseen consequences of COVID-19. Rhimes recently debuted her first Netflix production, Bridgerton, a few weeks ago. The series included a gay character in the romance drama. She is preparing a second Netflix project entitled Inventing Anna based on the New York Times article about a faux socialite who scammed several individuals out of money.
According to TVLine, the report found these four creators were responsible for 62 of the total 360 LGBTQ characters on television. This includes series across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.