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2 0 1 7 S T U D I O R E S P O N S - I B I L I T Y I N D E X Executive Summary

Of the 125 films released by major motion picture studios, only 23 (18.4%) contained LGBTQ characters.

Nearly half (10 films, or 43%) of those 23 films included less than one minute of screen time for their LGBTQ characters.

Of the 125 films released by major motion picture studios, only 9 passed the Vito Russo Test, which analyzes how LGBTQ characters are situated in a narrative.

20% of LGBTQ characters were people of color, a film released decrease of by a major 1 motion picture studio in 2016 contained transgender 5% characters. Contents

The GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) maps the quantity, quality and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in films released by seven major motion picture studios during the 2016 04 calendar year. GLAAD researched films released by 20th Century Fox, Entertainment, , Pictures, , Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers, as well as films released by four subsidiaries of these major studios. The report is intended to serve as a road Letter from map toward increasing fair, accurate and inclusive LGBTQ film representations. Sarah Kate Ellis

05 06 07

Methodology The Vito Russo Test Overview of Findings

08 10 13

Observations & 20th Century Fox Lionsgate Entertainment Recommendations Fox Searchlight Roadside Attractions

16 19 22

Paramount Pictures Universal Pictures

25 27 30

Walt Disney Studios Warner Brothers Five Year Trends

31 33 34

Additional Film Conclusion GLAAD’s Entertainment Distributors Media Team

3 Letter from Sarah Kate Ellis

oonlight, from studio , made history Mthis year as the first film led by a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) character to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Meanwhile, nearly half of the inclusive films released by the seven major studios included less than one minute of screen time for their LGBTQ characters. GLAAD started the Studio Responsibility Index five years ago to map the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ characters in films released by the seven major studios. We still struggle to see meaningful improvement in Hollywood’s depiction of LGBTQ characters and stories.

Major releases continue to lag behind the groundbreaking stories we see in independent films (likeMoonlight ) and even further behind the LGBTQ stories on TV and streaming series like Sense8 and Steven Universe. films alongside more problematic these are positive steps, as the Millenials aged 18 to 34 are more portrayals. We continue to see report has shown, there is still than twice as likely to identify as many of the same problems an inconsistency as other recent LGBTQ as older generations.* If repeatedly. This includes LGBTQ releases have made headlines for film wants to remain relevant and characters who lack substance including humor rooted in gay retain an audience that has more and are often treated only as a panic like CHiPS. options for entertainment than ever punchline, a dangerous message before, the industry must catch up which keeps old prejudices alive Therefore beginning this summer, in reflecting the full diversity of this both here in the U.S. and around GLAAD will be upping the stakes country. the world where these films are by holding Hollywood accountable distributed. Hollywood must do for the stories they are putting This year, GLAAD introduced a better to question what they are on the silver screen in real time new five-point scale for grading really communicating to audiences. as box office dollars are on the the studios. Our previous reporting line. We will be reporting on films made it clear that what was once In 2017, we have seen signs of as they release, and ultimately, termed “Adequate” is not at all. This progress in LGBTQ representation compiling that information for expanded gauge will allow GLAAD in mainstream films. Disney’s a revamped SRI to be issued in to more accurately report on the live action Beauty and the Beast 2018. There are plenty of unique state of LGBTQ representation in established LeFou as a canonically and new LGBTQ stories to tell, mainstream film. The new grading gay character. His happy ending and Hollywood must embrace system will also hold Hollywood may have been a small moment, that to remain competitive with studios to a higher standard but it was a huge step forward for other media industries. With this reflective of the LGBTQ inclusion that the industry. Disney’s decision to new method of reporting and is thriving in other forms of media. update the character for a more future iterations of the SRI, GLAAD contemporary audience — who will continue to hold Hollywood Looking back at five years of the see LGBTQ people and families accountable for who they are – or Studio Responsibility Index (SRI), every day — paid off at the are not - representing. there remains very little consistency box office with the film breaking in representation of LGBTQ records as the biggest March characters. This inconsistency is opening of all time. Lionsgate’s seen in the year-to-year data as Power Rangers introduced a studios drop several grades, as storyline that saw the Yellow well as within the studios’ yearly Ranger, Trini, questioning her Sarah Kate Ellis lineup in which a single studio will orientation; a story reflective of President & CEO, GLAAD release both standout inclusive many other teenagers. While

* Accelerating Acceptance 2017, HarrisPoll/GLAAD

4 Methodology Methodology

For this report, GLAAD focused its Each film was researched and analysis on the seven film studios reviewed for inclusion of LGBTQ that had the highest theatrical characters. The total number of grosses from films released in LGBTQ characters was recorded 2016, as reported by the box for each film, as well as each office database Box Office Mojo. character’s race/ethnicity, sexual Those seven are: orientation, and gender identity.

• 20th Century Fox The films were also reviewed for • Lionsgate Entertainment the presence of general LGBTQ • Paramount Pictures content and anti-LGBTQ language or “humor,” though because such • Sony Pictures content must be considered in • Universal Pictures context, the language was not • The Walt Disney Studios quantified for this report. • Warner Brothers Additionally, each film was This report examines films that assigned to one of five genre were released theatrically during categories: comedy, drama, the 2016 calendar year (January family, fantasy/science fiction, 1 to December 31) under the and documentary. The family official studio banners and category included animated and imprints. Films released by these children’s films rated PG and studio’s “art house” divisions (such under. The category of fantasy/ as Fox Searchlight) were analyzed science fiction also included horror separately and not part of the films and action films not rooted parent studio’s final tally or grade. in reality rated PG-13 and above. The total number of films released In the case of films that clearly by major studios that fell within the straddled genre lines, categories research parameters is 125. were assigned based on the predominant genre suggested by GLAAD separately analyzed both the film and its marketing the films released under four campaigns. smaller studio imprints that are sometimes referred to as “art Based on the overall quantity, house” divisions. This was done to quality, and diversity of LGBTQ compare the quantity and quality representation, a grade was then of LGBTQ representations in these assigned to each studio: Excellent, studios’ releases directly to parent Good, Insufficient, Poor, or Failing. companies. These specialty films are We must also recognize that typically distributed and marketed to some of the films counted here a much smaller audience than their as LGBTQ-inclusive will not major studio counterparts. These necessarily be seen as such by distinctions were informed in part everyone. Every year GLAAD by the box office reporting of Box finds characters that must be Office Mojo and other entertainment subjectively interpreted to be industry databases. The total seen as LGBTQ, require external number of films that fell within the confirmation of the filmmakers’ research parameters is 41. These intentions, or rely on pre-existing divisions include: knowledge of source material or a • Focus Features public figure on whom a character (Universal Pictures) is based. • Fox Searchlight (20th Century Fox) • Roadside Attractions Note: Prior to the 2017 report, (Lionsgate Entertainment) GLAAD assigned studios scores • Sony Pictures Classics on a four point scale of Excellent, (Sony Pictures) Good, Adequate, or Failing.

5 The Vito Russo Test The Vito Russo Test

Taking inspiration from the “Bechdel Test,” which examines the way female characters are portrayed and situated within a narrative, GLAAD developed its own set of criteria to analyze how LGBTQ characters are included within a film. The Vito Russo Test takes its name from celebrated film historian and GLAAD co-founder Vito Russo, whose book The Celluloid Closet remains a foundational analysis of LGBTQ portrayals in Hollywood film. These criteria can help guide filmmakers to create more multidimensional characters while also providing a barometer for representation on a wide scale. This test represents a minimum standard GLAAD expects a greater number of mainstream Hollywood films to reach in the future.

To pass the Vito Russo Test, the following must be true:

01. The film containsa character that is identifiably lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender.

02. That character must not be solely or predominantly defined by their sexual orientation or gender identity (i.e. they are comprised of the same sort of unique character traits commonly used to differentiate straight/ non-transgender characters from one another).

03. The LGBTQ character must be tied into the plot in such a way that their removal would have a significant effect, meaning they are not there to simply provide colorful commentary, paint urban authenticity, or (perhaps most commonly) set up a punchline. The character must matter.

Only nine of the 23 (39%) LGBTQ-inclusive major studio films passed the Vito Russo Test this year. This is a slight increase from the previous report in which eight of 22 (36%) inclusive films released in 2015 passed; the lowest percentage in the study’s history. This is compared to 11 of 20 (55%) inclusive films released in 2014, seven of 17 (41%) in 2013, and six out of 14 (43%) inclusive films released in 2012. There is clearly much room for industry improvement. More films need to include substantial LGBTQ characters that pass this simple test. However, as several of the films tracked prove, passing this test in no way guarantees that a film is not problematic or offensive in its portrayal of LGBTQ people.

6 Overview of Findings Overview of Findings

General Findings Of the 125 film releases GLAAD counted from the major studios in 2016, 23 (18.4%) contained characters identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. This is an increase of nearly one percentage point from the 17.5% of films (22 of 126) found to be inclusive in 2015.

Sexual Orientation Gay men continue to be the most represented by a significant margin with 83% of the inclusive films featuring gay male characters. This is an increase & Gender Identity of of six percentage points from the previous report (77%). Representation of LGBTQ Characters lesbian characters is up with 35% of inclusive films including lesbians, a significant increase of 12 percentage points from the year before. There was also an increase in bisexual representation: 13% of major studios’ inclusive films counted bi characters compared to 9% in last year’s report. GLAAD counted one transgender-inclusive film (Paramount’sZoolander 2), similar to the previous report.

GLAAD tallied 70 LGBTQ characters among all mainstream releases in 2016, up from 47 in 2015. It is important to note that 14 of these characters were part of a single musical number in Universal Pictures’ PopStar: Never Stop Never Stopping, which misleadingly inflated the numbers. Male characters again vastly outnumbered females by two to one (47 to 22), compared to 36 men and 11 women in 2015’s major studio releases. One character (All, Paramount’s 2) was counted as non-binary.

Race & Ethnicity of The racial diversity of LGBTQ characters again decreased in films tracked in 2016 after another dramatic drop the year before. In 2016, only 20% LGBTQ Characters were people of color, compared to 25.5% the year before and 32.1% in films released in 2014. Of the 70 LGBTQ characters counted, 48 were white (69%), nine were Black/African American (13%), one was Latinx (1%), and four were Asian/Pacific Islander (6%). Eight characters (11%) were non-human (Disney’s Zootopia, Sony’s The Movie and ).

Representation by As has been the case each year since GLAAD began this report, comedies remain the most likely major studio films to be LGBTQ-inclusive. Of the Genre & Studio 125 films tracked, GLAAD identified 39 films as comedies, of which 12 (31%) were inclusive. By comparison, GLAAD counted 44 films as (action, sci-fi, fantasy/horror), of which six (14%) films were inclusive. Additionally, two of 27 dramas (7%), and three of 15 animated/family films (20%) included LGBTQ characters. GLAAD did not count any documentaries from the major studios in 2016.

Paramount and Universal Pictures tied as the most inclusive major studios tracked in this year’s report. Five of Paramount’s 15 films (33%) were LGBTQ- inclusive, and Universal’s five of 17 total films equates to 29%. Warner Brothers is next with four of 19 films (21%), followed by 20th Century Fox at three of 16 films (19%), and Lionsgate with three of 24 films (13%). Two of Sony’s 21 films were inclusive (10%), and Disney rounds out the group with one of 13 (8%). In last year’s reporting, both Paramount and Disney were found to completely exclude LGBTQ characters from their slates.

GLAAD also examined the film releases of four smaller, affiliated studios (Focus Features, Fox Searchlight, Roadside Attractions, and Sony Pictures Classics) to draw a comparison between content released by the mainstream studios and perceived “art house” divisions. Of the 41 films released under those studio imprints in 2016, we found seven to be LGBTQ-inclusive (17%). This is down from the 22% (10 of 46) of films from the same divisions that we found to be inclusive in 2015, but still up from the first year of counting these studios when we counted only 10.6% (five of 47).

7 Observations & Recommendations Observations & Recommendations

Mainstream This year, GLAAD has introduced a new grading system that holds the studios to a higher standard to reflect the quality and quantity of LGBTQ film continues representation we are seeing in other forms of entertainment media. On the new five-grade scale, three studios received “Poor” ratings for their to lag far 2016 slates [20th Century Fox, Paramount, Warner Brothers] and three behind TV and others received “Failing” ratings [Lionsgate, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney Studios]. Universal Pictures is the only studio to be rated “Insufficient.” other forms of No studios were rated “Good” this year, and none have ever received an media when it “Excellent” rating. comes to LGBTQ representation.

Studios must The overwhelming majority of LGBTQ characters in mainstream films are still minor, in both screen time and substance. This has been a consistent do better to not problem over the five years that GLAAD has tracked LGBTQ characters in Hollywood releases. Of the 23 mainstream films that GLAAD found to be only include LGBTQ-inclusive, 10 (43%) included less than one minute of screen time more LGBTQ for their LGBTQ characters. While some of these were positive moments of inclusion like Sony Pictures’ Storks and Disney’s Zootopia, many of these characters, but characters only existed to be punchlines or establish urban authenticity. Many audiences likely missed several of these characters altogether. This to construct brevity remains standard for LGBTQ inclusion. LGBTQ roles that are directly tied to the plot.

Creators need Comedy films (the genre most likely to include LGBTQ characters) continued to include out-and-out defamatory portrayals of LGBTQ people. to learn that The jokes around these characters relied on gay panic and defamatory stereotypes for cheap laughs. Dirty Grandpa and Central Intelligence appealing to were two of the most egregious offenders, and the non-inclusive filmsThe one audience Brothers Grimsby and Ride Along 2 also included offensive humor based in idea that two men touching each other is inherently strange. Comedy does not can be a powerful tool in challenging existing norms, but when crafted without thought, these jokes have the opposite effect by signaling that anti- have to mean LGBTQ attitudes are acceptable. insulting other audiences.

8 Observations & Recommendations

The racial diversity of LGBTQ characters remains a problem in all forms of Creators need media, but mainstream film is particularly dismal after a five-percentage to reflect the point drop in LGBTQ characters of color. This is the second straight year with a significant decrease of LGBTQ characters of color; our previous full diversity of report found a near seven-percentage point drop in 2015 films from the year before. Many of these characters were isolated tokens burdened with our community, representing multiple communities through the views of one person – often and tell those limited to less than five minutes of screen time. Successful and critically acclaimed films that include central LGBTQ characters of color like stories through Moonlight, Star Trek Beyond, Pariah, and Lilting should send a message the eyes of that there is an audience and a hunger for these stories. more than one character that allows for new and unique stories that audiences have not yet seen.

Hollywood film most notably falls behind other forms of media in its Filmmakers portrayal – or lack thereof – of transgender characters. For the second should question year, GLAAD found one trans-inclusive mainstream film and, again, the character existed solely as a punchline. Paramount’s Zoolander 2 included what they as All, a cartoonish portrayal of someone who is non-binary, who only exists to mock people who don’t perform traditional are really gender roles as strange and “other.” Several other mainstream films, communicating which did not have transgender characters, nevertheless included so- called humor rooted in trans panic. There was one film from the smaller to audiences subsidiary studios, Fox Searchlight’s Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, which included transgender characters. Again, the character’s identities when they use were treated as punchlines and one was a last minute reveal. thoughtless “humor” targeting an already marginalized community.

9 20th Century Fox

2016 RATING

POOR

20th Century Fox

RYAN REYNOLDS AS WADE WILSON/DEADPOOL, DEADPOOL

ecognized among to LGBTQ-inclusive Hollywood’s films, but it includes In 2016, 20th Century Fox released 16 films, powerhouse a few standouts in R three of which included appearances by studios, the its repertoire. Myra Corporation was Breckinridge (1970) LGBTQ people, amounting to 19%. Two of founded by producer and The Rocky Horror these films passed the Vito Russo Test. William Fox in 1915, Picture Show (1975) subsequently merging contain some of the with Twentieth Century earliest significant RATING OVER TIME Pictures (founded in transgender characters, 1933) in 1935 to form though both depictions 2016 20th Century Fox. are arguably more Media magnate Rupert sensationalized than POOR Murdoch bought the true-to-life. In 1982, studio in the mid-1980s, the studio released making it a subsidiary the drama Making 2015 of News Corporation. Love, which was one ADEQUATE 20th Century Fox is of the first realistically now part of parent depicted gay love company 21st Century stories ever made by a 2014 Fox. Among Fox’s most major . Other ADEQUATE famous films are early inclusive films released blockbuster franchises over the years include like Star Wars, Alien, Silkwood (1983), The 2013 and . Object of My Affection ADEQUATE (1998), The Family Aside from Walt Stone (2005), and How Disney Studios, 20th to Train Your Dragon 2 2012 Century Fox has one (2014). FAILING of the slightest track records when it comes

10 20th Century Fox

Deadpool Widest theatrical release: 3,856 theaters

This antihero movie follows the origin story of the darkly twisted and sarcastic mercenary, Deadpool/Wade Wilson. While director Tim Miller told press ahead of the film’s release that Deadpool was pansexual, the only references that made it to screen were played for comedic effect in throwaway jokes intended to emphasize just how outrageous the character is rather than any real sense of desire. Much was made of a scene where Wade and his girlfriend engage in pegging (a man being anally penetrated by a partner wearing a strap on), but again, the scene was played as a joke and as a painful moment that Wade himself was not actually wanting to engage in other than as a favor to his lover. The Keeping Up with telling them he recently went portrayal of a pansexual identity through a divorce and needs a as a brazen or scandalous trait, the Joneses vacation. He offers the men sexual Widest theatrical release: 3,022 theaters rather than a lived identity, has favors after they turn him down as their date to Hawaii. While real consequences for bisexual+ This action comedy included an it seems Bob is not actually a people. Because their identities extended kiss between the two transgender woman, the joke here are often misunderstood, bisexual+ female leads, but the exchange is rooted in trans panic. When people are less likely to be out to was only a distraction technique in Mike and Dave meet “Lauralie,” family and friends than gay and order for one of the women to pass they are clearly supposed to be lesbian people. The film’s star Ryan a weapon to the other while all the uncomfortable because “Lauralie” Reynolds has expressed interest in men in the room were preoccupied looks like a man in a dress, his character getting a boyfriend in with staring at them. The framing while the audience is supposed the upcoming sequel; we hope this of physical affection between two to laugh at the idea that Bob relationship makes it to screen. women as a distraction for straight is actually a man “tricking” the men is a long running plot device brothers. This very clearly furthers that we would be happy to see Independence the dangerous cultural narrative never used again. The women are that someone who does not look Day: Resurgence both straight, so GLAAD did not Widest theatrical release: 4,130 theaters conventionally female is a joke to include either of them in its final be laughed at, and that straight tally. In this sequel to the 1996 original, men might be “tricked” by a the audience learns that Dr. woman who’s “really a man.” Brakish Okun has been in a 20- Mike and Dave year coma after being used by the Need Wedding Mike and Dave’s bisexual cousin alien invaders in the first film. His Terry plays a larger role in the partner, fellow Area 51 scientist Dates film as she competes with Mike Dr. Isaacs, has been caring for Widest theatrical release: 3,008 theaters for Tatiana’s attention, and the him ever since. The film fumbled family pressures him to live up After brothers Mike and Dave its chance for a meaningful story to Terry’s business successes. Stangle’s Craigslist ad searching between the two men, as when However, her story fell into some for dates to their sister’s wedding they reunite there are some jokes of the negative tropes we still see goes viral, they get replies from made, but no affectionate gestures so often when it comes to bisexual a variety of people hoping for a or “I love you’s” shared. Near characters. Terry bribes Tatiana free Hawaiian vacation including the film’s end, Isaacs dies and the a lesbian woman and a man with backstage tickets to perform couple still does not share anything who shows up dressed as a sex acts on her. In another scene, very significant. Compared to the woman. The man, Bob, replies she propositions two men for a numerous embraces the straight it’s “not a problem” when his threesome. The repeated portrayal characters share, the lack of colleagues tell him the ad applies of bisexual characters in media as intimacy between the only queer only to women. He then meets hypersexualized undermines the characters is a glaring missed the brothers as “Lauralie,” and truth that bisexuality is a real and opportunity. eventually takes off the wig, valid sexual orientation.

11 20th Century Fox / Fox Searchlight

to what body parts they may or may not have, causing real harm. When less than 16% of Americans say they personally know a trans person, the images they see in Fox Searchlight the media form the basis of what they know about transgender people. Lazy “jokes” like these are disappointing in a franchise that In 2016, Fox Searchlight released 5 films, has always been more thoughtful two of which included appearances by about portraying gay and lesbian LGBTQ people, amounting to 40%. characters. In a mid-film scene, a flight attendant says, “I hate how you have to be nice to transgendered [sic] people now,” in reference to Patsy. While the filmmakers have referred to her as a transgender ox , created in 1994, is a subsidiary of 20th character in past, this seems to Century Fox and specializes in the release and distribution of be solely in reference to a one- Findependent and foreign films in the , as well as horror off joke from the series’ original films and dramedies. Fox Searchlight Pictures is responsible for the run about Patsy briefly living as a release of several LGBTQ-inclusive and Academy Award-winning and man until “her penis fell off.” For nominated films, includingBoys Don’t Cry (1999), about the murder of that reason, GLAAD did not count transgender man Brandon Teena, and Kinsey (2004), a biopic of the Patsy as a transgender character famed sex researcher. in our final numbers. In addition to Marshall and Lubliana, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie included cameos by several out celebrities missteps. One such ‘joke’ involves A Bigger Splash who appeared as themselves, the reveal that Edina’s ex-husband Widest theatrical release: 378 theaters and Chris Colfer playing a gay Marshall “is a transgender,” and hairdresser. This psychological drama follows continues downhill from there. couple Marianne and Paul who Marshall’s wife, Bo, attempts to are unexpectedly reunited with unbutton Marshall’s shirt while Demolition Marianne’s former manager saying, “Show them your breasts.” Widest theatrical release: 862 theaters and lover, Harry, and his newly Edina’s mother asks Marshall Demolition follows the story found daughter Penelope whom “when it comes off,” and the scene of Davis, a man who has lost he is hinted to be sleeping with. continues in that vein with several his wife and turns to physical Some outlets have read the Harry other tasteless jokes. In the same destruction to cope. He becomes character as bisexual after a scene, Bo is wearing a large wig obsessed with taking objects scene where he tells Paul that he styled as an afro, and says that apart to learn how they work, and is “metro sexy,” and Paul later she is now a “black person,” forms a friendship with customer says Harry would sleep with making a ridiculous parallel service representative Karen, anyone. These lines could be between her spouse’s transition who is moved by his letters to seen as hinting on the part of and her own assertion that she’s her company. Davis and Karen’s the screenplay, but is ultimately changed her racial identity. Later, teenage son, Chris, form a rocky more of a comment on others’ Patsy and Edina flee to Cannes friendship that leads to Chris perceptions of Harry than where Patsy goes undercover eventually asking Davis if he thinks indicative of his own desires. as a man and marries Baroness Chris might be gay. After Chris GLAAD did not count the character Lubliana, the richest woman in says that there is a boy he finds in its final tally. the world, to gain access to her fortune. In the final act of the film, interesting, Davis advises him to Patsy removes her mustache and stay in the closet until he can move Absolutely admits that she is not a man, but to a bigger city. In the next scene, Fabulous: The Lubliana replies, “I know. And I’m Chris goes clubbing with a male not a woman.” Patsy and Edina friend and ends up in the hospital Movie confer on the disclosure, referring after being jumped by six men. Widest theatrical release: 355 theaters to Lubliana as “him/her” and Chris says that “being myself felt debating whether this means Patsy good” despite the violence. As This film wraps up theAbsolutely will not “need the strap on.” Chris never seemed to be actually Fabulous franchise that began in uncomfortable with himself to 1992, and that dated mentality This type of so-called humor begin with, it is disheartening that was obvious in the script, which exploits an already marginalized the film decided to use this kind of made several transphobic community and reduces a person violence as a plot device.

12 Lionsgate Entertainment

2016 RATING

FAILING Lionsgate Entertainment

ZACH GERARD AS HANNES PIKE, NOW YOU SEE ME 2

he youngest of the But I’m a Cheerleader film studios that (2000), Urbania In 2016, Lionsgate Entertainment released 24 GLAAD tracks, (2000), Lost and T films, three of which included appearances by Lionsgate was originally Delirious (2001), All formed in Vancouver in Over the Guy (2001), LGBTQ people, amounting to 12.5%. One of 1997 but has produced Happy Endings (2005), these films passed the Vito Russo Test. some of Hollywood’s Precious (2009), biggest blockbusters Albert Nobbs (2012), in recent years. Since The Perks of Being a RATING OVER TIME its inception, the Wallflower (2012), company has grown American Ultra (2015), 2016 significantly through and Freeheld (2015). acquisitions of other FAILING companies, including in 2012, which produced 2015 the highly profitable ADEQUATE Twilight film franchise.

The very first film 2014 Lionsgate released ADEQUATE was The Pillow Book (1997), in which Ewan McGregor costarred 2013 as a bisexual man, ADEQUATE and the company has had quite a few other notable LGBTQ- 2012 inclusive films since. n/a not tracked These include Gods and Monsters (1998),

13 Lionsgate Entertainment

character around when he later their reputation, and expose the Criminal beats up and coerces an apology wrongdoings of a criminal and Widest theatrical release: 2,683 theaters from a man who was harassing his son. Hannes Pike, the son of This crime-thriller follows Jerico Bradley for his sexuality, it is clear a South African gangster, is a Stewart, a former death row that the writers still find a gay pawn in the Horsemen’s overall inmate who is the test subject for a character to be a prop to benefit scheme. They hypnotize him and dangerous surgery meant to give someone else’s story. Dick makes go undercover as his team to him the memories of a dead man. the man say he was raised in a get access to a computer chip When Jerico arrives in London and different time and tell Bradley that that is integral to their plot, but steals a car, the audience sees if he “had to be gay to prevent a are surprised to learn that they a montage of notable landmarks terrorist attack” he would choose misread the group when security and people walking the streets, to be with Bradley. In a later questions them. It turns out the including two men kissing on a scene, after spending the entire female member of Hannes’ team is bridge, which prompts Jerico film being bullied by Dick, Bradley actually a renowned doctor rather to smile and cheer. While it is says he now wants to sleep with than his love interest as the group noteworthy that the film decided him. There is an additional running assumed. The reveal is played to include gay couples as part of gag throughout the film that Jason as a joke on the team for their the fabric of what makes London is actually a butch lesbian. This is assumption, but is unfortunately great, the brevity of the scene (less one more joke that makes LGBTQ then used to further fuel the than five seconds) remains entirely people into the punchline. anti-gay jokes that Merrit makes too common for LGBTQ inclusion. towards Atlas (the group member While juvenile comedies are who poses as Hanne’s “boy toy,” known for playing to the lowest Buffy) throughout the film. Dirty Grandpa common denominator of “humor” Widest theatrical release: 2,912 theaters to appeal to a studio’s idea of what its audience will find Dirty Grandpa is one of the more amusing, filmmakers must learn offensive films released recently that appealing to one audience by a major studio, with a never- does not mean the project must ending arsenal of homophobic insult a different audience. This jokes about feminine mannerisms film’s outdated humor would have or effeminate clothing, butch been better left on the cutting room lesbians, and prison rape. Bradley, floor. a gay black man, is a friend and vacation partner to the young women who ultimately end up Now You See dating the titular grandpa and his Me 2 grandson, Jason. From his first Widest theatrical release: 3,232 theaters moment on screen, Bradley has no agency or story, and is only The second installment in this present as a punchline for Dick’s magical crime fighting franchise racist and anti-gay jokes. While sees the Four Horsemen tasked the film attempts to turn Dick’s with a new job in London to save

14 Lionsgate Entertainment / Roadside Attractions

Roadside Attractions

In 2016, Roadside Attractions released 10 films, one of which included appearances by LGBTQ people, amounting to 10%.

oadside Attractions, founded in 2003 by Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff, specializes largely in independent films. In 2007, Lionsgate bought a portion of the company. Notable LGBTQ-inclusive films Rpreviously released by the studio include I Love You Phillip Morris (2010), Albert Nobbs (2012), , and The Skeleton Twins (2014).

Hello, My Name is Doris Widest theatrical release: 979 theaters

This comedy follows Doris, an office worker in her mid-60s whose mother just passed away, as she drastically changes her life and romantically pursues a much younger coworker. Another coworker at Doris’ office is Nasir, an openly gay man. Though Nasir is not a very significant character in the film, he often serves as the voice of the collective of coworkers in their office. Most of the time, he acts as the face of normalcy compared to Doris’ wild fantasy life and eccentricities. Later in the film, the audience meets Nasir’s date, Keith, at a holiday dinner. The film also makes several one- off jokes about the community in service of portraying how many queer people a hipster in Brooklyn might know, including a coworker who is a member of an LGBTQ knitting group and someone who says she is a teacher at a “gay preschool in Park Slope.” This kind of casual inclusion – LGBTQ characters clearly established as such in the material, but whose story does not revolve solely around their identity – is something we would like to see more of going forward.

15 Paramount Pictures

2016 RATING

POOR

Paramount Pictures

JOHN CHO AS LIEUTENANT HIKARU SULU, STAR TREK BEYOND

stablished in the Starting in the mid-nineties, earliest days of the Paramount released a string In 2016, Paramount Pictures released 15 films, American film industry, of films that were either E five of which included appearances by LGBTQ Paramount Pictures traces LGBTQ-themed or LGBTQ- its lineage all the way back inclusive, including Home people, amounting to 33%. Three of these to 1912 and the founding for the Holidays (1995), films passed the Vito Russo Test. of the Famous Players Film Clueless (1995), The Brady Company, which was one Bunch Movie (1995), Brain of three companies that Candy (1996), Kiss Me RATING OVER TIME would merge in 1916 Guido (1997), Election and eventually become (1999), The Talented Mister 2016 Paramount. Big-budget, Ripley (1999), and The mass appeal franchises is Next Best Thing (2000). POOR how one would describe many of the studio’s most In 1997, the studio recognizable releases, partnered with 2015 including Star Trek, Productions to release the FAILING Transformers, and Mission mass-appeal, gay-themed Impossible. But if one comedy In and Out, which were to look at Paramount garnered a great deal of 2014 Pictures’ most recent crop publicity for a kiss between ADEQUATE of films, it may appear lead and love that the studio is not interest and particularly fond of taking became a box office hit. In 2013 risks. GLAAD’s 2016 SRI fact, In and Out, along with FAILING found that Paramount did fellow Paramount releases not have a single LGBTQ- Mister Ripley and The inclusive film in the studio’s Hours (2002), are three of 2012 2015 slate. This lack has the top 10 highest grossing ADEQUATE not always been the case. gay or lesbian-themed films in the United States.

16 Paramount Pictures

Allied scene in which star player Roper in bodybuilding and became a Widest theatrical release: 3,160 theaters kisses a girl, and then encourages judge for several competitions her to kiss the girl next to her. before his death in 1980. He This World War II drama included While the two go along with also reportedly worked at a an out lesbian couple. Bridget it, the scene was played to be bathhouse in for (Lizzy Caplan) is a Officer purely at his suggestion rather a time. Though McMoon never in the Royal Armed Forces and than out of any desire on either came out, the scant amount is the trusted sister of the lead of the women’s parts. At the same of history available on his life character, Max. Bridget and her party, a group of performing does suggest he was queer at a partner, Louise, have a handful of arts students put on an Alice time when many never felt safe short scenes together, including in Wonderland-themed sketch to come out. Florence Foster one in which they share a kiss, of The Dating Game. A male Jenkins also included a seconds- spurring Bridget to say she will student portrayed the Queen of long appearance by a character actually miss wartime because Hearts and, as part of the sketch, identified as real life actor Cole “no one cares who does what to hit on another male bachelor. Porter, a fan of Florence, who who.” The story focuses so much GLAAD did not count any of these attended her Carnegie Hall on the romantic leads that there characters in its final tally. concert. is no real screen time devoted to Bridget and Louise, but they Florence Foster Star Trek Beyond are clearly out and in love in a Widest theatrical release: 3,928 theaters difficult time. It is then even more Jenkins Widest theatrical release: 1,528 theaters frustrating that in a later scene the The third in the Star Trek film trivializes their relationship Simon Helberg plays pianist reboot series; Star Trek Beyond when Bridget and Louise oblige Cosmé McMoon in this introduced the husband and a bunch of male soldiers who 1940s-musical comedy, based daughter of Lieutenant Hikaru ask the women to kiss in front of on a true story. For this report, Sulu. When the USS Enterprise them. GLAAD counts McMoon as a makes a stop at the Yorktown gay character, which the film space station for shore leave, Everybody repeatedly implies through Sulu reunites with his husband, innuendo though never confirms Ben, and their daughter. The two Wants Some!! are seen a few other times in Widest theatrical release: 454 theaters explicitly. In one scene, a man shares a glance with a blushing, the film; running to shelter when While many headlines came out flustered McMoon at a party and the film’s villain is launching an of this film’s release about the later pours McMoon a drink with attack on the city, and Sulu and homoerotic subtext and male his arm around his shoulders. The Ben are spotted together again gaze being turned on male film’s end cards give an update at Captain Kirk’s birthday party. bodies, there was not actually on the real characters. McMoon’s The inclusion of a gay character any sincere queer content in musical career never took off as part of the core ensemble this 1980-set college baseball past his gigs with Florence, but of a summer tentpole film is a comedy. The film includes a party he instead developed an interest huge step forward. Genre films like Star Trek, which exist in

17 Paramount Pictures

the worlds of their maker’s own in both story and its attempted as hypersexualized characters creation, have the opportunity to humor. While comedy can be who will sleep with anyone, and create unique societies beyond a powerful tool to hold a mirror positing bi characters as unable the biases that exist in our own up to society and challenge to form genuine relationships. world. By simply including expectations, cheap jokes diverse characters who are constructed without thought that Prior to the release of Zoolander treated with the same nuance as use an already marginalized 2, a petition was launched calling any other character; these films community as a punchline for a boycott of the film after are able to hold up a mirror to only reinforce ignorance and the first trailer included Benedict our own society and challenge prejudice. Further, positioning Cumberbatch as a non-binary preconceived notions. We hope an LGBTQ identity as something model named All. The character to see Sulu’s story explored which is inherently absurd and is a completely cartoonish further in the upcoming sequel. worthy of mocking does real portrayal of a non-binary person. Beyond is the only film distributed harm to actual people who Hansel and Zoolander obsess by a mainstream studio to be experience harassment and over the idea of what kind of nominated at the 28th Annual violence on a regular basis. genitals All has, asking if they GLAAD Media Awards. “have a hot dog or a bun.” All Dimwitted former model Hansel only refers to themselves in the McDonald is now bisexual third person, and it is mentioned Whiskey Tango and involved in a long-term that “All just married hermself” Foxtrot polyamorous relationship with 11 after “monomarriage” has been Widest theatrical release: 2,413 theaters people, a mix of men and women legalized. Later, All descends led by Kiefer Sutherland as a from the ceiling and whips Hansel This dramedy based on the fictionalized version of himself. and Zoolander while alternating memoir of an embedded After each person reveals that between high and low pitch correspondent in Afghanistan they are pregnant, Hansel runs screams. One of the men yells, included an incredibly brief away, attempts to break back into “It’s definitely a hotdog” referring scene at a wedding in which the fashion world, and tries to to their earlier speculation on an older woman hits on Tina hook up with another orgy group what is in All’s pants. All existed Fey’s character, Kim Baker. This (again a mix of men and women). purely to give the audience moment is yet another example In the end, Hansel returns to something to laugh at, and the of the most common way that living with his original “orgy” story added nothing to the film’s queer characters and content as he refers to the relationship, plot as a whole. It is incredibly still appear in mainstream films: and asserts that he is now ready disheartening that this was the in service of a joke rather than to be a dad. The entire storyline only trans or non-binary character story. ends up being a joke based in included in a mainstream studio some of the negative tropes we film this year. This is one case in Zoolander 2 still see so much with bisexual which we wish the character had Widest theatrical release: 3,418 theaters characters. These include the been cut altogether. portrayal of bisexual characters The second film in theZoolander as being more prone to infidelity franchise, released 15 years after than either straight or gay the first, was incredibly dated characters, depicting bi people

18 Sony Pictures

2016 RATING

FAILING

Sony Pictures

SALMA HAYEK AS TERESA DEL TACO, SAUSAGE PARTY

tarting out as to LGBTQ-inclusive films. Cohn-Brandt-Cohn The 1962 political thriller In 2016, Sony Pictures released 21 films, two Film Sales in 1918, Advise and Consent did S of which included appearances by LGBTQ the studio adopted the contain a subplot about a name Senate chairman who is people, amounting to 9.5%. One of these in 1924. Thanks to its blackmailed over a past films passed the Vito Russo Test. association with Frank affair with a man (and Capra in the 1920s, the subsequently commits studio gradually rose in suicide), but it’s hardly held RATING OVER TIME prominence and over up as a high point in the the subsequent decades LGBTQ cinematic canon. 2016 became home to iconic The same can be said for stars such as Cary 1992’s Basic Instinct from FAILING Grant, Rosalind Russell, Tri-Star Pictures, which and Rita Hayworth. was decried by LGBTQ Following a brief period groups including GLAAD 2015 of ownership by The for its defamatory portrayal ADEQUATE Coca-Cola Company of lesbian and bisexual and the spinning off of women. On a more positive Tri-Star Pictures (which note, Tri-Star Pictures also 2014 it subsequently merged released popular inclusive FAILING with), Columbia Pictures films likePhiladelphia was acquired by Sony (1993), Threesome (1994), in 1989 and is now a and As Good as it Gets 2013 subsidiary of Sony Pictures (1997). In more recent GOOD Entertainment. years, parent company Sony Pictures has released Overall, Sony Pictures Rent (2005), The Girl With 2012 has never had the the Dragon Tattoo (2011), ADEQUATE most impressive track and The Mortal Instruments: record when it comes City of Bones (2013).

19 Sony Pictures

The Angry Birds Movie Widest theatrical release: 3,932 theaters

This animated film, inspired by the hit mobile game app Angry Birds, included a lesbian bird couple. During an early montage of the protagonist Red’s daily happens while the townspeople something that still happens too frustrations living on Bird Island, are filming the incident with often in place of clearly defined the audience sees Red seated disgusted looks, as Sebastian onscreen representation - GLAAD under a tree and exchanging tells him to “suck and spit,” did not count the character in its glances with a group of women and eventually ejaculates on tally. birds that he thinks are trying Nobby’s face. In the film’s finale, to get his attention. It turns out Sebastian and Nobby reunite at Sausage Party that they were gesturing at the a soccer game and, in order to Widest theatrical release: 3,135 theaters person behind Red, but when the save the world, they strip down, group walks away, the audience hold hands, and put the heads of Much of the deserved public sees that the group is in fact two fireworks equipped with a deadly criticism of Sausage Party couples, one just happens to be virus in their rectums to contain centered on the racist clichés of two women who are holding the distribution of the blast. They each character in this grocery wings. The moment was small, but turn out to survive the incident store-set film, and this carried still a step forward for a genre because of an ingredient found through with the handful of queer that is not often inclusive of queer in elephant sperm, which they characters as well. Teresa del characters and LGBTQ families. anally ingested during an earlier Taco is an oversexualized Latina In a later scene, some audiences scene when they hid from spies lesbian taco who struggles with have read a couple as two female inside an elephant’s vagina as it her feelings for women out of birds retrieving their egg from the was mated. The entire film is so fear of religious discrimination. rescued clutch. However, because poorly written that it is difficult Sammy Bagel Jr. and Kareem the film did not denote each to be offended, but it is just one Abdul Lavash are a heavy- character with the cartoonish more example in a long line of a handed metaphor for the Israeli- eyelashes used to mark all other lowbrow “comedy” defaulting to Palestinean conflict before they female birds, GLAAD did not cheap homophobic jokes. settle their differences and get count these two characters in its together. Other characters are a final tally. Ghostbusters shallow pun based on their name, Widest theatrical release: 3,963 theaters including Twink the Twinkie and the overly effeminate produce The Brothers Out actor and comedian Kate who are not actual characters Grimsby McKinnon stars as eccentric so much a series of jokes based Widest theatrical release: 2,235 theaters engineer Holtzmann, one of on the derogatory term “fruit.” While there are no LGBTQ the new team of Ghostbusters, The film’s finale includes an characters in this film, the entire in this reboot of the franchise. extended orgy scene between movie is threaded with unfunny During the film’s press tour, all the foods in the market in jokes based in gay panic. In director/writer Paul Feig was various configurations of straight an early scene, lead character asked if Holtzmann was a and gay, including a scene Nobby mentions that if he ever lesbian after the film included where Brenda believes she is finds his missing brother, he will several interactions that were having sex with her boyfriend have to “break it to him that read as flirtatious between her only to look down and realize some of his childhood heroes character and the other female it is actually Teresa. After a didn’t love women as much as Ghostbusters. He dodged the shocked moment, Brenda is we thought they did” while the question, gave a “silent nod,” fine with it despite the lack of audience sees posters of Freddie saying, “I hate to be coy about it, initial consent. The screenwriters Mercury, Elton John, and George but when you’re dealing with the clearly believed themselves to be Michael. He goes on to say “and studios and that kind of thing…” progressive for including several some loved them too much” while and instead talking about LGBTQ characters, but it largely looking at a photo of , McKinnon’s “pansexual” energy read more like trolling for buzz implying that learning an idol (that causes everyone around her (particularly with how much of the was queer is the same as learning to fall in love with her), which advanced press was hyping the that an idol is a rapist. Later, he “wanted to let that come out “lesbian taco”) than a clever joke Nobby is forced to suck poison in this character.” Given Sony’s which lets LGBTQ people in on out of his brother, Sebastian’s, refusal to confirm Holtzmann as the humor. testicle after he is hit with a dart a canonically lesbian or bisexual during a spy shootout. This all character, – even in outside press,

20 Sony Pictures / Sony Pictures Classics

Sony Pictures Classics

In 2016, Sony Pictures Classics released 16 films,three of which included appearances by LGBTQ people, amounting to 19%.

ounded in 1992, Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) is the independent arm of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which acquires, produces, and distributes independent films and documentaries. Among the many inclusive films FSPC has released since its inception are My Life in Pink (1997) about a gender non-conforming child; The Celluloid Closet (1995), a documentary about LGBTQ representations in film based on the book with the same title written by Vito Russo (co-founder of GLAAD); the Alan Ginsberg-centered story Kill Your Darlings (2013); Pedro Almodovar’s I’m So Excited! (2013); Love Is Strange (2014); and Grandma (2015).

Equity The Meddler The Comedian Widest theatrical release: 255 theaters Widest theatrical release: 464 theaters Widest theatrical release: 848 theaters

This Wall Street drama flips the The Meddler is the story of Marnie, This widely panned film follows script by turning the focus to a lonely mother who gets overly Jackie, an aging shock comic, who women trying to climb the ladder involved in the lives of nearly is trying to reinvent his career and as investment bankers in the stock everyone she meets. Despite the get past his audience’s perception world. Samantha Ryan is a lawyer fact that they have just met, Marnie of him as the beloved television with the Department of Justice who is moved to pay for the wedding of character he once played. reconnects with a college friend, Jillian, a friend of her daughter’s. Throughout the film, Jackie and his in hopes of getting information She makes the offer to plan and comedian friends make distasteful on the woman’s boyfriend whom finance the wedding after Jillian jokes about prison rape, anti-gay Sam is investigating. While Sam’s tells Marnie about how she and slurs, and pedophilia. After he story is largely confined to her her wife, Dani, had a courthouse is released from prison, Jackie work life and connections to this wedding as they adopted their connects with his brother who case, the audience does get to daughter. Jillian had hoped that agrees to loan him the money he briefly meet Sam’s wife, Melanie, one day they could have a bigger needs for legal fees if Jackie will and their children. Sam has ceremony, but now feels too guilty agree to attend the wedding of recently moved to the white-collar to spend that much money when his niece Brittany to her girlfriend division from narcotics in order they have a daughter to raise. Frankie. The wedding itself is to spend more time at home with Though she is not a major part of handled decently (though Jackie’s her family. While she does have the overall story, Jillian and her speech is largely offensive); some dubious moments, Sam is family are included as a regular Brittany and Frankie are largely also the closest the film has to a part of the world. The inclusion positioned as the only sane ones in moral center. It is refreshing to see of a lesbian couple in a comedy, the family. Out comedian Jessica Sam being just as humanized in without having them be the butt Kirson also briefly appears as sometimes doing bad things for of a joke, is a step that more herself at a comedy gig that Jackie the right reason as any straight, films should be taking. The film and his date attend. cisgender male character is. It is was SPC’s highest grossing 2016 the type of story in which women release at the box office. (and queer women especially) are rarely included.

21 Universal Pictures

2016 RATING

INSUFFICIENT

Universal Pictures

DAVE FRANCO AS PETE, NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING

f all the major it is not surprising that it film studios, was not until the 1990s In 2016, Universal Pictures released 17 films, Universal that any LGBTQ content O five of which included appearances by LGBTQ Pictures, founded in began to appear in 1912, is the oldest. Universal films. The people, amounting to 29%. Two of these In 2004, Universal 1991 adaptation of films passed the Vito Russo Test. Studios merged Fried Green Tomatoes with NBC becoming removed much of the NBCUniversal, which source novel’s lesbian RATING OVER TIME was acquired by content, though the in 2009. In 1994 comedic drama 2016 August 2016, Universal did feature completed purchasing a prominent gay INSUFFICIENT Dreamworks Animation, character. which was previously a holding of 20th Century Universal’s other 2015 Fox. Universal will begin inclusive films have ADEQUATE distributing Dreamworks also been a mixture of films in 2019. Having highs and lows, and long focused on mass include To Wong Foo, 2014 appeal films, many Thanks for Everything! ADEQUATE of Universal’s most Julie Newmar classic films came from (1995), Mulholland collaborations with Drive (2001), I Now 2013 director Pronounce You Chuck ADEQUATE and included Jaws, and Larry (2007), Bruno E.T., Jurassic Park, and (2009), Scott Pilgrim vs. Schindler’s List. The World (2010), Kick- 2012 Ass 2 (2013), Riddick ADEQUATE Due to that focus on (2013), and Legend mass appeal, perhaps (2015).

22 Universal Pictures

Bridget Jones’s male director Laurence Laurentz to Teddy have a falling out when he secure his breakout role. The story realizes Pete expects Teddy to move Baby is widely known in Hollywood, out of their shared home to give Widest theatrical release: 2,930 theaters and is again used as a threat the couple their own space. Later, against Whitlock when he asks Teddy returns and the two reconcile The third film in theBridget Jones what is keeping him from revealing after he realizes he is not losing franchise includes a handful of the names of his abductors. The his best friend, but “gaining a best gay and lesbian characters, but trope of predatory gay characters friend’s husband.” The film ends on their stories largely come across bribing or pressuring a straight Pete and Darren’s wedding day. as incredibly dated narratives man into sex is both offensive As Teddy prepares Pete to walk we have seen before. Bridget’s and incredibly overdone through down the aisle, we learn that Teddy cheeky best friend, Tom, returns the years. Concurrently, closeted has finally found a steady job as a as a spin class instructor. In actor Burt Gurney – the star of wedding planner for gay couples. the film’s opening, he surprises the musical number “No Dames” Pete and Darren’s story was told Bridget with the news that he is who is referred to as “Laurentz’ very naturally, something that is beginning adoption proceedings new protégé”– is revealed as the rare in this type brand of comedy with his partner, Eduardo. Bridget’s head of the Communist cell before where affection between two men is mother is now running for local he boards a Soviet submarine. overwhelmingly played for laughs government on a “family values” In the film’s finale, the columnist or as a “gross-out” moment. There platform. After Bridget challenges announces her plans to run the were some stumbles around jokes her to update her worldview, story on Whitlock’s past with of men wanting to see two women she changes her slogan to Laurentz, naming Gurney named kiss, but overall, the film’s inclusion include “supports the majority of as her source, but the studio “fixer” was a pleasant surprise. homosexuals.” An older gay couple makes it clear that she cannot is part of Pamela’s campaign team, publish the column without ruining Popstar: Never though she is shocked to discover her own reputation by tying herself the two are together. The men to a defected Communist. Stop Never mostly exist to make a point about Pamela’s constituents being a more Stopping diverse group than she thought. My Big Fat Greek Widest theatrical release: 2,313 theaters Later, Bridget and her two male Wedding 2 This mockumentary of the music love interests attend pregnancy Widest theatrical release: 3,179 theaters classes together, and their cohort industry and celebrity culture from includes a lesbian couple. These Cousin Angelo returns in this the members of characters only appear for a few sequel to the early 2000s original includes a video for the track “Equal seconds, and are primarily used to My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Over Rights.” In the video, the film’s star prop up a joke about the possible the course of the film, Angelo Connor4Real raps, “I’m not gay, fathers being mistaken for a gay eventually comes out to his family but if I were, I would marry who I couple. One of the men is visibly who immediately accept him and like,” and as the song progresses he uncomfortable by this assumption his boyfriend and business partner, references more and more absurd and the other plays along with the Patrick. While both characters are assertions of his own sexuality mix up solely to peeve the other. largely relegated to the sidelines while waving a rainbow flag and While the film clearly is set in a and primarily engage in ensemble attending weddings of multiple world where LGBTQ people are scenes, their story is sweet and still same-sex couples. The couples and accepted, the inclusion of these notable for a mainstream release. his co-star, singer Pink appearing outdated jokes and prop characters as herself, give Connor increasingly was jarring. uncomfortable looks as he raps Neighbors 2: “not gay” after every other word. Ringo Starr notes at the end of the Sorority Rising Hail, Caesar! song that marriage equality was Widest theatrical release: 3,416 theaters Widest theatrical release: 2,248 theaters already signed into law in the U.S., invalidating Connor’s entire This drama revisits early-1950s Neighbors 2 includes an song. The single fails and later in Hollywood, as the old system of unexpectedly well-handled sub the film, Connor himself says the studios having near total control plot about former fraternity brother song was offensive. While the song of a star’s image was collapsing. Pete getting engaged and how his itself made a smart point about the The film revolves around the moving forward in life strains his absurdity of gay panic, the film abduction of Capitol Pictures friendship with the central character, did blunder in a scene where the star Baird Whitlock by a group Teddy, who is struggling to find his concertgoers giggle when a stage of Communist film writers who niche post-college. Darren proposes malfunction disrobes Connor and intended to ransom him back to Pete with the help of Teddy and his penis is not visible. The scene to the studio. When Whitlock some of the other frat brothers at was not overtly transphobic, but the disappears, two rival gossip their weekly poker night. After Pete joke presumes the film’s audience columnists surface and threaten says yes, the camera pushes in on will laugh at a person not having to run a story about Whitlock the two kissing as the rest of the the expected genitals. agreeing to sleep with closeted guys cheer and hug them. Pete and

23 Universal Pictures / Focus Features

Focus Features

In 2016, Focus Features released 10 films, one of which included appearances by LGBTQ people, amounting to 10%.

ocus Features was established in 2002 when USA Films, Universal Focus, and combined into a single company. Focus Features produces and distributes its own features, in addition to distributing Fforeign films, establishing an impressive record of accomplishment of critically acclaimed and popular LGBTQ-inclusive films that includeThe Kids Are All Right (2010), Pariah (2011), and Milk (2008). Its most commercially successful LGBTQ-inclusive release to date is the 2006 Academy Award-winning drama Brokeback Mountain, adapted from the Annie Proulx novel about the romantic relationship between two men in 1960s Wyoming. In 2013, it released another prominent Oscar-nominated LGBTQ-inclusive film,Dallas Buyers Clubs, and followed it up with 2015’s The Danish Girl which was also Oscar-nominated.

Nocturnal Animals Widest theatrical release: 1,262 theaters

This drama centers on Susan, an upper class art gallery owner, who receives a novel manuscript from her estranged ex-husband Edward that leads her to question the choices that led to her current loveless marriage. Early on, Susan attends a dinner party where she chats with Carlos and his wife Alessia, who are happily married even though Carlos is gay. Their “arrangement” works for them, and Alessia expounds on friendship lasting longer than lust. Later in the film, Susan talks about her brother, Cooper, who has been disowned by her family after coming out as gay. She mentions to Edward that Cooper used to have a crush on him. After Edward reacts only with concern that he inadvertently hurt Cooper because he was not aware of his feelings, Susan commends him for being accepting of a man having feelings for him. Cooper himself never appears. Though it is clear that this film takes place in a world inclusive of gay characters accepted by the protagonists, it is disappointing that their stories are centered on the straight women in their lives.

24 Walt Disney Studios

2016 RATING

FAILING

Walt Disney Studios

Of the major U.S. film of all the major studios studios, Walt Disney tracked in this report. In 2016, Walt Disney Studios released 13 Studios may be the , films, one of which included appearances by most recognizable, with however, has released a a well-defined brand small handful of LGBTQ- LGBTQ people, amounting to 8%. None of identity that has spread inclusive films, including these films passed the Vito Russo Test. across the globe. Kinky Boots (2006), Ed Since the first Disney Wood (1994), Sweet feature film in 1937 Home Alabama (2002) RATING OVER TIME (Snow White), family and Under the Tuscan entertainment has been Sun (2003). In 1985, 2016 a primary focus for the produced the company that continues filmMishima: A Life in FAILING to this day. The Four Chapters, which company’s distribution wove together passages imprints include Walt from gay Japanese 2015 Disney Animation writer Yukio Mishima’s FAILING Studios, Animation autobiography with parts Studios, Studio Ghibli of his fictional novels, (for which Disney holds including his secret love 2014 U.S. and international for a peer at school. The FAILING distribution rights), film was never officially , released in Japan , Lucasfilm, following conservative 2013 , and protests over its portrayal ADEQUATE Touchstone Pictures. of Mishima as a gay man. It was distributed Walt Disney Studios has in the U.S. by Warner 2012 the weakest historical Brothers. FAILING record when it comes to LGBTQ-inclusive films

25 Walt Disney Studios

Finding Dory Widest theatrical release: 4,305 theaters

This follow up to the 2003 hit Finding Nemo made headlines after the film’s first trailer dropped, and viewers read into the edited clip that there was a lesbian couple in the film. Given that there were no real hints onscreen that the two were a couple and the director’s refusal to confirm or deny, GLAAD did not count these characters in its final tally.

Zootopia Widest theatrical release: 3,959 theaters

The Oscar-winning animated filmZootopia actually featured a married gay couple, but the two were so minor that nearly every viewer missed the relationship completely. The couple, Bucky and Pronk Oryx-Antlerson, are the loudly argumentative neighbors of main character, Judy Hopps. The only hint on-screen to the couple’s relationship is their hyphenated name listed in the film’s credits, but co-director/writer Jared Bush confirmed the relationship on his official account. While confirmed inclusion is a step forward for children’s films, we would like to see these characters be more forthrightly defined within the film itself going forward.

26 Warner Brothers

2016 RATING

POOR

Warner Brothers

tarted in the early tragic Plato in 1955’s 1900s by four Polish Rebel Without a Cause. In 2016, Warner Brothers released 19 films, immigrant brothers Over the subsequent S four of which included appearances by as a simple movie theater years, there were other business, following notable inclusive films LGBTQ people, amounting to 21%. None of several decades of released by Warner these films passed the Vito Russo Test. growth Warner Brothers Brothers, including Dog Pictures was formally Day Afternoon (1975), incorporated in 1923 as The Color Purple (1985), RATING OVER TIME a full-fledged film studio. Interview with the Since then, Warner Vampire (1994), and 2016 Brothers has remained at Midnight in the Garden the forefront of the film of Good and Evil (1997). POOR business and a pioneer in Notably, nearly every technologies like synced one of those films was sound and color film. based on source material 2015 Over the years, Warner that included LGBTQ FAILING Brothers produced such characters. More recently, classics as Casablanca, Warner Brothers has also A Clockwork Orange, released inclusive films 2014 Goodfellas, and Blade like Alexander (2004), GOOD Runner. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), V For Vendetta One of Warner (2005), J. Edgar (2011), 2013 Brothers’ most iconic and Tammy (2014). FAILING films also contains one of the earliest and most celebrated gay- 2012 coded characters in ADEQUATE mainstream American cinema: Sal Mineo’s

27 Warner Brothers

Batman V physicality as he hugs Calvin. At their school reunion, Bob gets Superman: together with Darla, another classmate who had been bullied Dawn of Justice for her looks. He strips down Widest theatrical release: 4,256 theaters on stage to make a point about Similarly to The Avengers and letting people see all of who you Iron Man 3 before, Dawn of are, and after throwing his pants Justice included cameos by out into the crowd, a male classmate news commentators who appear catches them, yells out “yes!,” as themselves. This time, it was and fights with a woman who Anderson Cooper and Andrew tries to take the pants from him. Sullivan who each appear in The film attempts to make it very brief scenes to deliver seem as though they are in on some super-hero related news. the joke when Bob calls out Though their cameo appearances the homophobia of someone do technically meet GLAAD’s attempting to start a fight with criteria for an onscreen LGBTQ he and Calvin by implying the impression, we continually men are a couple, but ultimately hope that future superhero films Intelligence does nothing to will include substantial queer address Calvin’s disgust at being characters. While more out comic complimented or touched by book characters are making the another man. The movie instead leap from the page to television, revels in this “humor,” that is both mainstream hero films are still worn-out and simply unamusing. cutting them from the big screen. There is an additional brief Fantastic Beasts scene where Clark Kent boards a ferry and walks in front of a and Where to couple sharing a kiss. Some have Find Them speculated that the characters are Widest theatrical release: 4,144 theaters a gay couple, but given the out of focus haze and brevity of the This spinoff prequel to the Harry moment, GLAAD did not count Potter universe is set in 1920s these characters. New York as “magizoologist” Newt Scamander arrives in Central town, and stumbles into a conflict between the magical government Intelligence and the non-magic people of Widest theatrical release: 3,508 theaters the city. The Director of Magical Security, Percival Graves, is This buddy comedy/spy mystery eventually revealed to actually starring Dwayne Johnson and be the legendary dark wizard Kevin Hart is essentially a Grindelwald. Potter author JK near two-hour gay panic joke Rowling announced in 2007 that relies on the long-running that Hogwarts headmaster Albus homophobic “sissy” stereotype Dumbledore, who was friends for most of the film’s intended with Grindelwald when the two punchlines. Johnson stars as were teens, is gay and had been Robbie Wierdicht/Bob Stone, a in love with Grindelwald at one former high school nerd who was point. As there has not been relentlessly bullied for his weight any confirmation on whether and has gone on to become a Grindelwald himself returned CIA agent who is believed to Dumbledore’s feelings, GLAAD have gone rogue. He reconnects did not count this character. The with Calvin, the captain of the franchise has announced plans football team voted most likely to for four additional films, set up to succeed who once helped Bob follow the rise of Grindelwald and against his bullies. When they his eventual defeat by Dumbledore. meet up, Calvin is surprised to We hope to see more of their early see Bob’s new body and visibly relationship and Dumbledore’s uncomfortable with Bob’s more feelings explored in those films. effeminate mannerisms, seeming obsession with Calvin, and

28 Warner Brothers

The Legend happen to be part of that group of new parents. It is refreshing to of Tarzan see a “family” oriented film be so Widest theatrical release: 3,591 theaters casually inclusive. LGBTQ people are already part of American While no LGBTQ content made families and communities across it into the film, the director the country, and our films need to announced during the film’s press reflect that. tour that there had initially been a kiss between the ruthless soldier, Rom, and an unconscious Tarzan. Suicide Squad Widest theatrical release: 4,255 theaters The kiss was cut after initial test audiences were “perplexed” While Harley Quinn is bisexual by the moment. In this case, the in the pages of many DC Comics decision to cut the kiss helped the and continually veers between her film as a forced kiss would have love for fellow anti-hero Poison made the Rom character just one Ivy and returning to her abusive more in a long of gay characters relationship with The Joker, none who are portrayed as predatory of that backstory came across in and uncaring of consent. Further, this widely panned film. Many the scene which seems the most audiences likely had no clue likely to have contained the kiss unless they had extensively read comes as Rom is attempting to the source comics or researched murder Tarzan. Including a kiss the character beforehand. Suicide here would have also made Rom Squad instead chose to focus another in a line of villainous solely on her relationship with queer characters whose villainy The Joker with very little back was tied directly to their LGBTQ story, and largely sanitized identity. GLAAD did not count this the deeply abusive nature of character. their relationship. GLAAD did not count this character in its Live By Night final tally based on the story Widest theatrical release: 2,822 theaters presented. Warner Brothers has announced they are developing This 1920s-set mob drama a film adaptation of the comic included one single scene with a series Gotham City Sirens about gay character. The former Boston Quinn, Catwoman, and Poison police captain, whose son is Ivy. If they follow the source facing a possible murder charge, comics, audiences can look blackmails Chief Inspector forward to seeing some of the Calvin Bondurant (Clark Gregg) romantic relationship between with a threat to leak the proof Quinn and Ivy. This would be of his affair with a man unless a huge moment for superhero Bondurant allows the man’s films, which continue to leave out son to take a deal on a lesser meaningful LGBTQ characters. charge. This scene harkens back to old Hollywood production codes, which required that gay characters be somehow punished for being who they are, and would have been best left on the cutting room floor.

Storks Widest theatrical release: 3,922 theaters

This animated comedy about the delivery of babies to new families via stork includes gay and lesbian couples. The film’s finale features a montage of couples and single parents who are receiving the children they have been longing for, and same-sex couples just

29 Five Year Trends

Total Number of Inclusive Films, Overall Racial Diversity of LGBTQ Characters

2015 2016 in Film # of total films 2012 2013 2014 83.9% 12.9% 3.2% # of inclusive films 2012 76% 12% 4% 2013 8% 11% 68% 14% 2014 7% 10.6% 72.3% 6.4% 2.1% 8.5% 126 125 2015 68.6% 12.9% 11.4% 1.4% 114 5.7% 101 102 2016

White Black/African American Latinx

Asian/Pacific Islander Non-Human

14 17 20 22 23 13.9% inclusive 16.7% inclusive 17.5% inclusive 17.5% inclusive 18.4% inclusive Gender of LGBTQ Characters in Film* 63% 37% 2012 64% 36% 2013 68% 32% Total Number of Inclusive Films, By Studio 2014 77% 23% 2015 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 67% 31% 2016 1%

20th Century Fox (0%) (7%) 0% (18%) (12%) 3 (19%) 160% 0 15 0 1 014 1 3 17 3 2 17 1 0 2 Male Female Non-Binary

Lionsgate not tracked 3 (14%) 21 2 2 (12%) 17 2 8 (33%) 24 3 3 (13%) 24 1 Orientation & Paramount Pictures 3 (21%) 14 1 2 (22%) 9 0 3 (23%) 13 1 0 (0%) 12 0 5 (33%) 15 3 Identity of LGBTQ- inclusive films Sony Columbia 4 (21%) 19 1 3 (20%) 15 2 1 (6%) 18 0 3 (19%) 16 1 2 (10%) 21 1 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16

55.6% 64.7% 65% 77% 82.6% Universal 4 (25%) 16 2 3 (20%) 15 1 3 (21%) 14 0 4 (19%) 21 2 5 (29%) 17 2 Gay men

Lesbians 33% 23.5% 10% 23% 34.8% Walt Disney 1 (8%) 13 0 2 (20%) 10 0 1 (8%) 13 0 0 (0%) 11 0 1 (8%) 13 0 Bisexuals 11% 17.7% 30% 9% 13%

Transgender Warner Brothers 2 (8%) 24 3 (17%) 18 7 (32%) 22 5 (20%) 25 4 (21%) 19 0 0% 11.8% 0% 5% 4.4% 2 1 5 1 people

* Non-binary characters were not counted until the most recent report as there were no characters who identified as such prior. # of inclusive films # of total films # of films that passed the Vito Russo Test Transgender men are counted in male LGBTQ characters, and transgender women are counted in female LGBTQ characters

30 Additional Film Distributors

Gravitas IFC Films & Magnoloia A24 Ventures Sundance Selects Pictures

Founded in 2012, Founded in 2006 by A distributor of Formed in 2001, A24 has become Nolan Gallagher, independent films known for releasing Gravitas Ventures and documentaries, specializes in releasing some of the most well was initially created IFC Films falls under both foreign and respected independent to distribute content the AMC Networks . The films of the last four through video on umbrella. Also under company is owned years, including The demand and online this umbrella are IFC by Todd Wagner and Spectacular Now, systems. In 2011, Midnights, which Mark Cuban, and Obvious Child, and the company began focuses on horror is a subsidiary of Room. In 2016, A24 releasing a limited and thriller films, and . released Moonlight, a number of films into Sundance Selects, that Some of Magnolia’s tender coming of age theaters. Past LGBTQ- distributes independent past LGBTQ-inclusive story about Chiron, a inclusive releases films, documentaries releases include young, black, queer include Appropriate and foreign films. Life Partners (2014) man. The film follows Behavior (2015), the The company’s and Tangerine Chiron through three story of a Persian- most successful and (2015). In 2016, acts of his life, from American bisexual critically acclaimed Magnolia released childhood to teen years woman reconciling LGBTQ-inclusive films the Korean import to adulthood. Over different parts of her include the drama The Handmaiden, a this time, he struggles identity. In 2016, Weekend (2011), psychological thriller with his own sexual Gravitas Ventures about two men starting that is ultimately a love identity, the concept released All We Had, a relationship right story between a Korean of masculinity, and his the story of a struggling before one of them handmaiden and a feelings for his friend mother and daughter must leave the country, Japanese noblewoman. Kevin, all set against a who settle in a small and the acclaimed but The Handmaiden challenging home life town. The film co- controversial French was nominated for and bullying at school. starred trans actor lesbian drama Blue a GLAAD Media Moonlight deftly Eve Lindley as Pam, a is the Warmest Color Award, and was the balances telling a very transgender waitress (2013). In 2015, highest grossing film intimate story about with big dreams who among their inclusive released by Magnolia love, identity, family, becomes the best releases were the that year. The studio and friendship with friend of the young documentary Do I also distributed the painting a picture of girl while dealing with Sound Gay?, Match, filmViva last year, a the larger experience transphobia in rural The Duke of Burgundy, coming of age story of what it means to be America. Gravitas also and Jenny’s Wedding. about a young drag a young, black, queer distributed 4th Man Last year, IFC released performer in Cuba and male. Moonlight made Out, a comedy about a King Cobra, a murder his relationship with history as the first film young man coming out mystery drama set in his estranged father. with an LGBTQ lead to his straight friends. the world of gay porn. Other queer inclusive and the first film with content include the an all-black cast to documentary Tickled. win the Oscar for Best Picture.

31 Additional Film Distributors

Open Strand Vertical Wolfe Road Films Releasing Entertainment Releasing

A joint venture between Initially upon its Founded in 2012 by Wolfe Releasing is two theater giants, founding in 1989, Rich Goldberg and the oldest distributor AMC Theaters and Strand Releasing’s Mitch Budin, Vertical in North America to Regal Entertainment focus was primarily Entertainment focuses focus solely on LGBTQ- Group, Open Road LGBTQ inclusive films. on smaller independent inclusive content, from Films has released a Now, it has branched films. Vertical released its founding in 1985. good number of films out, releasing non- the comedy G.B.F. The company releases since its founding in LGBTQ films as well, (Gay Best Friend) independent films that 2011. Among the and maintaining a in 2014. Last year, have a focus on telling studio’s previous focus on foreign films. stories from an LGBTQ LGBTQ-inclusive Notable films from distributed the GLAAD perspective. Wolfe has releases are 2015’s the past include The Media Award-winning released a large number Dope, a GLAAD Media Living End (1992) a filmOther People, a of inclusive films over Award-nominated drama about two gay touching story about a the years, but there comedy about three men on a dangerous gay comedy writer who are a few standouts. friends (one a lesbian) road trip; Stonewall returns to his hometown Brother to Brother who have to dispose of (1995) a fictionalized to take care of his (2004) explores gay someone else’s drugs. telling of the Stonewall dying mother. life during the Harlem In 2016, the studio’s Riots; Yossi and Jagger Renaissance through a inclusive releases (2002), a love story modern lens, Tomboy include Mother’s between two Israeli (2011) is a French film Day, which features a army officers, as well as about a gender non- subplot about a mother the 2013 sequel Yossi; conforming child, and coming to accept her and 2014’s Mala Mala, in 2015, Boy Meets daughter’s sexuality exploring Puerto Rico’s Girl, the story of a trans and her partner. Open drag and transgender woman in Kentucky on Road also released communities. Last year’s a quest for love. Last Snowden last year, Strand releases include year, Wolfe released which featured Zachary the GLAAD Media the GLAAD Media Quinto as out journalist Award-nominated Spa Award-nominated Naz Glenn Greenwald. Night, a personal and and Maalik, about a compelling film about a relationship between gay Korean-American two black, Muslim teens. teenager trying to Some other notable deal with the pressures releases of 2016 from his parents and were GLAAD Media exploring his own Award-nominated sexuality. Other LGBTQ- Those People, which inclusive Strand Releases explored a love triangle from 2016 include Front between three men, and Cover, Summertime, Margarita with a Straw, Being 17 and Closet the story of a bisexual Monster. Indian woman with cerebral palsy.

32 Conclusion

It is unsurprising that smaller studios, which don’t often have the budget to compete for box office attention against the majors, are still distributing the majority of stand-out LGBTQ-inclusive films. These movies are limited by reach, often only playing on screens in major cities for a single weekend before being pushed to streaming services. Further, audiences typically only find these features if they go specifically looking for them. Given the groundbreaking LGBTQ stories we are now seeing in other entertainment media, mainstream major film releases appear more and more outdated as they continue to include LGBTQ people only in service of punchlines or as props to add authenticity to an urban setting. After five years of analyzing inclusion in the SRI, we are still frustrated by the lack of meaningful progress on the part of major studios to include authentic LGBTQ characters and storylines. Studio execs should take note of the critical success of some of these indie films likeMoonlight , The Handmaiden, and Spa Night. There are audiences who are looking for this content, for our stories. GLAAD will continue to hold Hollywood accountable for the stories these companies choose to tell – or not – on our screens.

33 20th Century Fox

GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Team

GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Team monitors film, television, music, and related entertainment media to ensure inclusive, diverse and accurate portrayals of the LGBTQ community. When anti-LGBTQ content runs, GLAAD speaks out about why anti-LGBTQ attitudes and content have no place in the media and how that affects real lives. The staff also works with TV and film studio executives, producers and writers to provide script consultations and to advocate for the inclusion of LGBTQ people at all levels in an effort to spark conversations about LGBTQ issues in living rooms and around water coolers. GLAAD also promotes LGBTQ-inclusive projects through GLAAD’s newsroom, social media, the weekly LGBTQ TV listings, “Must-See LGBTQ TV,” and through its annual GLAAD Media Awards.

GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Team releases two annual reports. The Where We Are on TV report analyzes the overall diversity of primetime scripted series regulars on broadcast networks and looks at the number of LGBTQ characters on cable networks and streaming services. The Studio Responsibility Index ranks the major Hollywood studios by the quantity and quality of the LGBTQ representation in the films they produce.

Zeke Stokes Megan Townsend Vice President of Programs Senior Strategist, Entertainment Media [email protected] [email protected]

Raina Deerwater Coordinator, Entertainment Media

GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Interns join the Programs Team in researching and monitoring LGBTQ-inclusive content on television and in film. They assist in conducting research for theStudio Responsibility Index, Where We Are on TV report, and contribute to GLAAD’s newsroom.

Alma Carranza Brandy Bautista University of Southern California State University Fullerton Class of 2018 Class of 2017

Samantha Cavalcanti Valerie Taylor University of Southern California Loyola Marymount University Class of 2019 Class of 2017

34 GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.

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