The driving idea behind GLAAD's Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) is to hold major film studios accountable for the quality and diversity of LGBTQ representation in their films. By mapping the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ characters across films released by leading distributors, GLAAD aims to push for more inclusive and accurate storytelling in the film industry.
The Index seeks to assess and grade the extent to which major studios—such as A24, Amazon Studios, Netflix, and others—incorporate LGBTQ characters into their film slates. This evaluation covers not only the number of LGBTQ characters but also their screen time, diversity, and the presence of negative stereotypes or anti-LGBTQ language.
The SRI also aims to identify trends and set priorities for improving LGBTQ representation, using its findings to guide industry practices and encourage studios to make sustained investments in inclusive storytelling. By providing detailed feedback and assigning grades ranging from Excellent to Failing, the SRI creates benchmarks that studios can strive to meet, promoting a culture of accountability and progress.
Additionally, the SRI is designed to inform and engage both the press and the public, contextualizing developments in film storytelling and advocating for more equitable and accurate portrayals of LGBTQ individuals on screen. Through its comprehensive analysis and strategic advocacy, the SRI strives to drive meaningful change in the film industry and support GLAAD’s broader mission of advancing LGBTQ visibility and acceptance.
The SRI began with the development of a robust methodology for evaluating LGBTQ representation across major film studios. GLAAD identified ten major distributors—A24, Amazon Studios, Apple TV+, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery—based on their market influence and cultural impact. The study encompassed films released by these distributors, including their subsidiary labels and majority-owned streaming services.
The process involved reviewing each film for LGBTQ characters, assessing their quantity, screen time, diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and disability status, and evaluating the narrative portrayal using GLAAD’s Vito Russo Test. This test examines how LGBTQ characters are integrated into the storyline and their overall impact on the narrative. Films were also analyzed for any negative stereotypes or anti-LGBTQ language. Based on these criteria, each studio was assigned a grade ranging from Excellent to Failing.
Key features of the SRI include: detailed statistical analyses and graded evaluations of each studio’s film slate, highlighting areas of success and opportunities for improvement. The results are designed to provide clear, actionable insights for both industry professionals and for the public.
One significant challenge was conducting a thorough and accurate analysis of a large volume of films, particularly amid the 2023 industry strikes involving the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. To address this, GLAAD’s team worked diligently to ensure comprehensive data collection and analysis despite the disruption. The strikes also presented an opportunity for GLAAD to partner with the unions, leveraging the moment to emphasize the intersection of labor and LGBTQ advocacy.
Another challenge was effectively communicating the findings to a large and diverse audience. GLAAD overcame this by hosting a high-profile press conference at the LA LGBT Center, featuring leaders from SAG-AFTRA and WGA, alongside GLAAD’s own President and CEO, Sarah Kate Ellis, and actress Alexandra Grey. This collaborative event helped to elevate the visibility of the report and align LGBTQ advocacy with broader industry issues.
The SRI stands out for its rigorous and comprehensive approach to evaluating LGBTQ representation. It offers a detailed and nuanced perspective on industry practices. This method not only highlights individual studios' performances but also sets a benchmark for industry-wide improvements.
Additionally, the SRI’s integration with broader advocacy efforts and its strategic partnership with labor unions during a pivotal moment in the industry underscore its unique role in driving systemic change. The SRI is not just a report, but a tool for fostering accountability and encouraging studios to commit to more inclusive and respectful representation.
The results of the Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) effectively met GLAAD’s objectives by providing a comprehensive evaluation of LGBTQ representation across major film studios and influencing industry practices. The study’s detailed analysis and grading system offered clear insights into the quantity, quality, and diversity of LGBTQ characters in films, directly aligning with GLAAD’s goal of holding studios accountable for their representation efforts.
The SRI successfully highlighted areas of progress and identified studios that excelled or fell short in their inclusivity efforts. It provided actionable feedback for studios to improve their LGBTQ representation. This approach not only showcased the strengths and weaknesses of each studio but also set benchmarks for future improvements.
The release of the SRI coincided with a strategic press conference – which featured leaders from SAG-AFTRA and WGA while they were mid-strike – that linked LGBTQ advocacy with broader labor issues, amplifying the report’s impact. The extensive media coverage and high-profile event raised awareness and fostered dialogue among professionals and the public, leveraging community and the national conversation about labor unions to jointly hold studios accountable.
Overall, GLAAD’s efforts were successful because the SRI not only delivered critical data and insights but also influenced industry practices and set a precedent for accountability and progress in LGBTQ storytelling. The study’s ability to engage stakeholders and drive change underscores its effectiveness and marks a significant achievement in advancing inclusive representation in film
