In a powerful call to action, GLAAD board members Frankie Grande and Peppermint have joined forces with several high-profile figures from the LGBTQ+ community to urge casting directors, producers, and creatives behind reality TV to take a bold step toward authentic inclusivity. Their message calls for fair, accurate, and diverse representation of LGBTQ+ people on reality television, urging the industry to move past outdated and tokenized portrayals.
In a letter signed by a host of LGBTQ+ celebrities, including Nicole Byer, Michelle Buteau, Bob The Drag Queen, Jazz Jennings, Elliot Page, Monét X Change, and many others, Grande and Peppermint ask for a shift toward more substantial representation of LGBTQ+ lives across reality TV. Their message emphasizes that reality shows should no longer rely on a single LGBTQ+ cast member or storyline to represent the community. Instead, they advocate for a diverse range of LGBTQ+ experiences to be reflected on screen.
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The Push for Inclusive Representation
Grande, an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, expressed the need for change in a statement, saying, “It’s the responsibility of casting directors and producers to ensure that there is inclusivity within our community represented on the show. Otherwise, we’re a monolith. Otherwise, I am representing the entire queer community.” He continued, “There is a formula that has been in place for decades that is no longer working for our community. It is no longer representing the world and the people that are watching your shows.”
Peppermint, who appeared in season two of The Traitors and made headlines after her early elimination, also underscored the urgency of inclusive representation. After her departure from the show, Peppermint called for industry-wide change, emphasizing the need to showcase the relationships and experiences of trans people in reality television. “I wanted so desperately to be able to show the rest of the world that trans people are just like anybody else,” Peppermint shared. “It’s all about managing relationships, and trans people deserve to be a part of the story. The world needs to see that, and I think reality TV is a great place to do it.”
Addressing the Gaps in Representation
Despite the progress made in LGBTQ+ visibility over the years, GLAAD’s research shows that representation in reality television remains stagnant. Too many shows continue to cast a single LGBTQ+ individual or rely on one-dimensional storylines, leading to the outdated and incomplete portrayal of the diverse queer community.
In their letter, the signatories stress that the current formula no longer resonates with today’s audiences. According to the latest data from Gallup, 9.3% of U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ+, with the largest portion of this group identifying as bisexual. Among Gen Z, a generation known for its diversity and openness, 23% report identifying as LGBTQ+. As these younger viewers become the primary demographic for new TV shows, it is clear that their demand for inclusive content is more pressing than ever.
The letter points out that reality TV has the power to shape perceptions and ignite conversations. However, to live up to its potential, the industry must reflect the true diversity of society, including the LGBTQ+ community. Representation in reality TV is not only about numbers but also about telling the unique stories and perspectives of LGBTQ+ individuals in an authentic way.
Representation Matters for Empathy and Change
GLAAD’s research highlights the significant impact that LGBTQ+ representation in media has on viewers. The organization found that non-LGBTQ+ viewers who see LGBTQ+ people on screen are 50% more likely to feel familiar with the community and 35% more likely to be comfortable interacting with LGBTQ+ individuals in real life. This highlights the importance of visibility in fostering understanding and empathy, especially as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation continue to rise.
The signatories of the letter emphasize that when viewers see LGBTQ+ people living their truth — forming relationships, facing challenges, and celebrating victories — it dismantles stereotypes and promotes acceptance. Reality TV, with its relatable and emotional storytelling, has a unique ability to break down barriers and create meaningful connections.
By increasing LGBTQ+ visibility, reality television has the potential to combat misinformation, hate, and even violence. The signatories believe that showcasing authentic LGBTQ+ experiences on screen not only entertains but also contributes to a broader societal shift toward inclusivity.
The Need for Action Behind the Scenes
While the letter advocates for more LGBTQ+ representation on screen, it also calls for action behind the scenes. The signatories urge producers, casting directors, and creatives to ensure that LGBTQ+ cast members receive the necessary support both during and after production. They emphasize that the risks of isolation and tokenization for LGBTQ+ individuals on reality shows can be detrimental, especially for transgender and gender-nonconforming participants.
“When one person’s queerness or transness is placed at the center of the show, it places an undue burden on that cast member,” the letter notes. “The experience of being the sole representative for an entire community can be isolating, leaving that person vulnerable to online and real-world harassment.”
The signatories also urge that transgender people, in particular, be portrayed in ways that go beyond stereotypes. This means casting multiple transgender individuals on shows, allowing them to tell their own unique stories, and avoiding the harmful practice of making one individual’s experience representative of the entire community. For nonbinary and transgender people of color, the challenges of navigating gendered and binary casting are even more pronounced, further highlighting the need for more inclusive and thoughtful casting.
The Power of Reality TV to Lead Change
The letter concludes by urging the reality TV industry to embrace a more inclusive future, one that moves beyond tokenism and reflects the true diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, Queer Eye, and Selling Sunset have already demonstrated the value of LGBTQ+ representation, with their success proving that diverse stories resonate with audiences.
“Let’s move beyond tokenism and commit to casting LGBTQ+ people in numbers that truly reflect our community,” the letter states. “Let’s use the power of reality TV to make the world a more accepting, understanding, and real place.”
With industry-wide education and action, the signatories believe that reality TV can play a key role in shaping a more inclusive future. They call on the producers, casting directors, and creatives behind these shows to take bold steps toward a more diverse and authentic representation of LGBTQ+ lives on television.
For a full list of signatories and more information on GLAAD’s efforts to support LGBTQ+ visibility in media, visit their official website.
