The new Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) highlights three film studios in particular - Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers - that have received a ‘Fail’ grade in terms of portraying LGBT characters on screen.
GLAAD’s report also shows that no studios have increased their LGBT representation, with other major studios only receiving an ‘Adequate’ rating, and none being awarded a ‘Good’ label.
Open Image Modal
In the UK, 'The Danish Girl' was distributed by Universal Pictures, who received an 'Adequate' score
Moviestore/Rex/Shutterstock
Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s President & CEO has lambasted studios for what she has found is too often a negative portrayal of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender figures, adding: “Hollywood's films lag far behind any other form of media 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. The film industry must embrace new and inclusive stories if it wants to remain competitive and relevant.”
GLAAD have suggested that one area Disney could improve is by introducing LGBT characters into the ‘Star Wars’ universe, with the eighth film currently in production.
Open Image Modal
Daisy Ridley plays Rey in 'Star Wars'
Disney/LucasFilms
The report explains: “As sci-fi projects have the special opportunity to create unique worlds whose advanced societies can serve as a commentary on our own, the most obvious place where Disney could include LGBT characters is in the upcoming eighth Star Wars film.
“2015’s ‘The Force Awakens’ has introduced a new and diverse central trio, which allows the creators opportunity to tell fresh stories as they develop their backstory. Recent official novels in the franchise featured lesbian and gay characters that could also be easily written into the story.”
Open Image Modal
'Frozen' fans are campaigning for Disney to #GiveElsaAGirlfriend
c.W.Disney/Everett/REX/Shutterstock
At the same time, a new campaign has begun on social media, with ‘Frozen’ fans tweeting #GiveElsaAGirlfriend in the hope that the forthcoming sequel could be the first film in Disney history to portray a same-sex relationship.
James Wilby and Hugh Grant star in this period film about two men who fall in love, at a time when homosexuality was still not just looked down on in society, but illegal. A tear-jerking, but necessary, watch for anyone interested in 20th century LGBT history. (credit:Everett Collection/Rex)
Torch Song Trilogy (1988)(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
Another important watch for anyone interested in how same-sex relationships have come a long way in a short space of time. Harvey Fierstein shines in this touching and witty film, set over three separate eras in gay rights acceptance. (credit:Snap Stills/Rex)
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994)(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
If the thought of two drag queens and an older trans woman on what is essentially the most dramatic episode of 'Coach Trip' ever doesn't sound like a hoot and a half to you, we don't know what to say. This film is a triumph, with a great soundtrack and laughs aplenty. (credit:Moviestore Collection/REX)
Beautiful Thing (1996)(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
Jonathan Harvey's 'Beautiful Thing' manages to be simultaneously laugh-out-loud funny while still being emotionally moving. The characters are all totally likeable and relatable - even when they're at their absolute worst - and the film offers a great insight into growing up as a gay teenager at this time.Plus it's got Shirley from 'EastEnders' in it. What more could you ask for? (credit:c.Everett Collection/REX)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
A musical truly unlike any other, this cult classic tells the story of Hedwig, who decides to try giving punk music a try after - as she sings during one of the film's more memorable moments - "her sex change operation got botched". A David Bowie-esque soundtrack mixed with more hilarious one-liners than you can shake a blonde wig at, 'Hedwig' is a must-see for anyone with a taste for the unusual. (credit:Courtesy Everett Collection/REX)
Transamerica (2005)(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
'Desperate Housewives' actress Felicity Huffman stars in 'Transamerica' as a transgender woman who learns that she fathered a son earlier in her life. Despite dealing with issues that won't affect most people, 'Transamerica' also revolves around family, and the unexpected things life can throw at you. (credit:Snap Stills/Rex)
Rent (2005)(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
When the original musical of 'Rent' first hit Broadway it was the mid-1990s. The film adaptation is now also a decade old, yet the film definitely still resonates with a modern audience. The music is excellent, the cast are almost Spice Girls-esque in the way that there'll be at least one character you feel like you can totally identify with, and who knew Rosario Dawson could hit those high notes, eh? (credit:c.Columbia/Everett/REX)
Milk (2008)(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
As the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in America, Harvey Milk is undeniably one of the most important figures in LGBT history ever. Sadly, few people know his full story, which makes this Oscar-nominated film, starring Sean Penn in the leading role, an even more vital watch for anyone with even a passing interest in the gay rights movement. (credit:Snap Stills/Rex)
The Kids Are Alright (2010)(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Annette Bening bagged herself a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Nicole Allgood in 'The Kids Are Alright', which again deals with issues of family that everyone can relate to, even though the family in this film are anything but a "traditional" one. (credit:Focus Features)
Weekend (2011)(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
Russell and Glen's brief love affair in 'Weekend' is one that all viewers can lose themselves in, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender. This isn't just a story about a gay relationship, rather it's a story of how one person can affect you profoundly, no matter how briefly they're in your life. (credit:Moviestore Collection/Rex)
Behind the Candelabra (2013)(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
Think 'Milk' via 'Mommie Dearest' with the camp factor still cranked up to 100, Michael Douglas is a perfect Liberace in this eye-opening and surprisingly dear biopic of one of the 20th century's most flamboyant entertainers. (credit:Moviestore/Rex)
Pride (2014)(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Just stunning - 30 years after the miners' strike, a piece of British history that touched so many, 'Pride' shows people a different side of the story that is often overlooked or left out of the history books completely, but it's one that everyone should hear, nonetheless. (credit:BBC Films)