LGBTQ Representation Dips on Television

LGBTQ representation on television has dipped for the first time in five years, according to GLAAD’s annual “Where We Are on TV” report for 2020-21. Queer characters represented 9.1 per... Show more

t of regular characters on primetime television after reaching an all-time high of 10.2 percent in 2019, according to the report, which evaluated broadcast, streaming, and cable shows slated between June of last year and May of this year. Seventy out of 770 regular characters were LGBTQ and there were an additional 31 LGBTQ recurring characters — or those who reappear but not necessarily as frequently — on broadcast, which combined for a total of 101 queer characters. There was a steep dip in regular queer characters on primetime cable shows, which had 121 LGBTQ characters in last year’s report but just 81 this year. The pandemic is contributing toward the reduction in LGBTQ representation, according to the report, though the pandemic also impacted shows without LGBTQ representation. Because of COVID-19, several productions and new series that could have added in queer characters ended. The group is reporting a similar decline on streaming platforms such as Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix. “There are 95 regular LGBTQ characters on original scripted series, a decrease from last year, as well as 46 LGBTQ recurring characters,” the study states. “This brings the total to 141 LGBTQ characters.” Their findings show little representation of asexual characters, according to GLAAD. Last year, there was one asexual character on the now-canceled Netflix series, BoJack Horseman. This spring, one asexual character is sla...

Trans Man Killed in Puerto Rico; Trans Woman Found Dead in Detroi...

Just days after a transgender woman was killed in Chicago, a transgender man was killed in Puerto Rico and a transgender woman was found dead in Detroit. Samuel Edmund Damián Valentín w... Show more

shot and subsequently struck by a motorist in Puerto Rico on January 9, while Natasha Keianna was found dead in a white Saturn SUV in Detroit on January 12. Puerto Rican LGBTQ activist Pedro Julio Serrano told Gay City News that local authorities are investigating Valentín’s case, but there are few details about a possible motive or suspects. He noted that while some people online believe Valentín was targeted for writing controversial social media posts, Valentín’s mother has denounced these rumors. “[She] said don’t jump to conclusions and do not say that this is something that he deserved based on what he wrote,” Serrano said. WAPA, a television station in San Juan, reported that Valentín had been shot multiple times prior to being struck by the vehicle. Police and the media misgendered the victim in earlier reports, which further complicates the case. Serrano underscored the point that authorities still misgender victims despite training and guidelines advocating against it. “It’s re-victimizing a whole community,” Serrano said. “Their life, their identities are not important and they can be easily dismissed.” Social media posts indicated that Valentín was vocal about his trans identity. Serrano said Valentín’s mother, who is a pastor, took to Facebook to shed light on her son’s death, though she misgendered him. Still, Serrano believes investigators must take the possibility of a hate crime into co...

Gay City News Weekender: 7 Things to Do in Queer NYC Jan. 15-17

Although in-person events are scarce due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are plenty of queer options to consider as you plan your weekend. Gay City News has curated a list of options... Show more

low — including queerantine happy hours, art galleries, and more — to keep you occupied throughout the weekend of January 15 through January 17. Queer Art Exhibition  When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday, January 15 Where: Bortolami Gallery, 39 Walker Street in Manhattan The Bortolami Gallery is featuring a solo exhibition of Patrick Angus’ paintings and drawings. Angus’ work “Patrick Angus (1953-1992)” explores intimate depictions of gay men. The work was originally part of a collection from the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art in Manhattan, which gathers and preserves LGBTQ art. No appointments are required, but social distancing and a mask are necessary for entry. Queerantine Happy Hour When: 7 p.m. Friday, January 15 Where: Zoom Even without a global pandemic, there is a lack of safe spaces for queer women of color to hang out. But this New York City-based group — Professional Bi and Lesbian Women of Color — is changing that with their virtual happy hour series for Black and Brown women. The happy hours are free and for members only. Attendees can request to join and RSVP here. House of Yes: Digital Dance Party When: 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. Friday, January 15 Where: Zoom This free virtual dance party is hosted by the Brooklyn Latinx crew Rosa Perreo. The dance party will feature a “new generation” of reggaeton and electronic music. Party-goers can register directly on Zoom. Tell 69: Blow It When: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. S...

Overwhelmed LGBTQ Health Centers Scramble to Vaccinate New Yorker...

Workers at community health centers serving LGBTQ populations in the city are feeling overburdened as they scramble to vaccinate New Yorkers and simultaneously care for other patients, ... Show more

mpting them to call on the city and state to provide more financial assistance. As the state expands vaccine eligibility to include people 75 years or older and essential workers, several major health centers told Gay City News they are struggling to meet the growing demand. This comes as many health officials juggle burnout, staffing shortages, and high costs associated with distributing the vaccine. “When we’re in the trenches, they keep asking us to do more,” said Tom Marino, chief transformation officer for Harlem United, a community health center in Manhattan. “But we don’t know how much more we can give. There are people who are sick because they’re exhausted, and when you have run yourself down, you become more susceptible to COVID. I’m seeing more of my staff become ill.” The US began administering the vaccine to clinicians in December. Since then, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Twitter that he’s committed to administering 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations in January. As of January 14, more than 266,000 people in New York City received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and at least 37,114 people received their second dose, according to the city’s daily COVID-19 tracker. Marino’s staff has a goal of vaccinating at least 50 people per day, but with more clinicians out sick due to COVID-19, Harlem United is trying to fulfill the state’s needs with fewer people on hand. Marino said he was di...

Gay City News: January 14, 2020

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Schneps Media Interviews Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

Schneps Connects host Joshua Schneps will be introducing the leading candidates running to be the next Mayor of New York City. The first in this series is with Eric Adams, who is the cu... Show more

nt Brooklyn borough president and would be the second African-American mayor of the city. Adams grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, served in the NYPD, was a state senator, and is now in his second term as Brooklyn borough president. Hear about Adams’ background, what he stands for, his accomplishments as an NYPD officer, an elected official and why he feels he deserves your vote. The Race for New York City Mayor: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams Every week as part of our new Schneps Connects Podcast Series, we will feature leaders like Adams while we pull back the curtain on their proudest accomplishments, biggest challenges and all the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Make sure to check out a new episode of Schneps Connects every week wherever you get your podcasts or stream us online at podcasts.schnepsmedia. com.   The post Schneps Media Interviews Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams appeared first on Gay City News.