Study Fnds Rise In Gay Characters On Network TV

NEW YORK (AP) — The advocacy group GLAAD says the number of gay and bisexual characters on scripted broadcast TV shows is at its highest-ever level in the season ahead.

The 17th-annual “Where We Are on TV” report released Friday by GLAAD found that 4.4 percent of actors appearing regularly on prime-time network drama and comedy series during the 2012-13 season will portray gay, lesbian or bisexual characters. This is up from 2.9 percent last season.

The group says ABC leads the networks in gay representations, with 10 regular characters out of a total of 194.

Gay and lesbian characters on cable television have also risen to 35, up from a total of 29 last season.

The study found that among cable networks, Showtime leads with 12 characters.