GLAAD board members Frankie Grande and Peppermint call for more inclusivity and LGBTQ+ representation in reality TV series in a new open letter to creators.
Co-written and published by the advocacy organization GLAAD on March 12, the letter was signed from big names in the tv and film industry, including Bob the Drag Queen, Elliot Page, Alan Cumming and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
“While we’ve made impressive strides in LGBTQ visibility over the decades, the fact remains that for far too long now, reality shows too often include just one LGBTQ storyline or depend on a single LGBTQ cast member to represent an entire community of individuals and experiences,” said the star’s statement.
The petition also urges more producers and directors to showcase the authentic relationships and genuine interactions that can stem from LGBTQ+ inclusion. Peppermint referred to her short time on season two of The Traitors and how she wanted to use the time to demonstrate this.
“I wanted so desperately to be able to show the rest of the world, the rest of the audience, the rest of the viewership that trans people are just like anybody else. And I think that really does reflect how a lot of trans people feel right now.”
“I really would love for producers and people who create these shows to give people the opportunity to see the beauty in the relationships that trans people form,” she continued.
“It’s all about managing relationships, and trans people deserve to be a part of the story. The world needs to see that. And I think reality TV is a great place to do it.”
While reality TV is about entertainment, it can also educate viewers and tell unique and diverse stories that need to be told. This is especially important considering 9.3% of US adults identify as being a part of the queer community, according to a 2024 Gallup poll.
“Let’s move beyond tokenism and commit to casting LGBTQ people in numbers that truly reflect our community,” concluded the letter.
“Let’s use the power of reality TV to make the world a more accepting, understanding and real place. Together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels seen, heard and valued on the reality TV screen.”
Read GLAAD’s entire open letter here.
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