There was a great discussion yesterday on Twitter initiated by ITV Studios (@moveonup2ITV)
about LGB equality in the TV industry. This is an area which I am passionate about and it was a fantastic opportunity for me to get my points across and to find out what others thought about the subject.
If you missed the #ITVchat discussing 'LGB in TV: Pride or Prejudice?', here's a summary of the main points I picked up, the comments in italics are my own thoughts:
Q1. The media industry is considered 'gay friendly' – should companies do more to test this theory?
Head of Corporate Responsibility for ITV, Sara Henson (@SaraHansonITV), agreed, stating that 'without basic information and a workforce profile how do you know how representative you are?'
The LGB Charity Stonwall (@stonewallUK) pointed out that ITV are in fact the only broadcaster to make it through into their Workplace Equality Index
This is surprising given that Channel 4 has produced a range of programmes in relation to LGB issues and has incorporated more LGB characters than ITV.
Comms Manager at ITV, Stephen Barber (@DameStephen) noted that 'A ‘perception’ of a gay friendly industry is just that – a perception, it may not be the reality.
Andy Collinson, Editor, Multimedia news team (@tvnewswales) replied 'Big learning curve for us when we realised we didn't have a lot of objective info about ITV's LGB community'
Stonewall then referred to their excellent report entitled 'Unseen on Screen' (2010) which shows just how under-represented LGB people are on TV. If you've not seen this report, you really should check it out.
@cardboardcakes made a good point here that 'It's not just about representation but looking at having lessnegaitvie conotations used in tv too like'thats so gay'
As harmless as 'that's so gay' may sound, we all know how quickly that phrase is transferred onto the playground and negatively impacts on children. It's pointless terminology and needs to be eradicated.
Q2. Should being overtly proud of being LGB make any difference to how people react to you?
@cardboardcakes makes another very good point here: 'Completely agree. It's really important for young people in particular to see positive role models on TV.'
This is an area which I am particularly dedicated to. Growing up without seeing people you can relate to on TV should not be an option today; it's important for self-esteem and will help us move towards equality in society.
@James_Findlay replies in answer to question two 'no it shouldnt but I think it does. If someone is quiet about being LGB, then there's no chance of "offending people"'
This is a very good point. I think a lot of people, myself included, are afraid of coming out because of just that, 'offending people'. It is the reasons why LGB is seen as 'offensive' that urgently need to be addressed. The work that various charities are carrying out in school is a good example of this.
@StonewallUK: 'Everyone should be afforded equal respect, whatever their sexual orientation. This makes it all the more important that ... there are positive LGB role models on TV who are unashamed of who they are.'
@perimint69 you also need to get rid of the image of 'gay' as being effeminate not all gay blokes are like that
@SaraHansonITV 'Amazing the impact positive role models can have on TV. I see the duty logs and the awareness and debate story lines generate.'
The Sean and Marcus and Sophie and Sian Coronation Street storylines are a perfect example of the above.
Q3. Does onscreen perception around LGB impact behind the cameras
Hmmm did this question really need to be asked??? Of course it does!
@tvnewswales: 'as a broadcaster, we have to get it right -- or risk losing our audiences and that's how we pay the bills'
I'm not sure if the above is aimed at all viewers or heterosexual viewers...Remember that disgusting Brian Sewell article in the Daily Mail about Corrie's gay characters 'flooding' the street?
@Andrew_Ellery 'should our ever sexuality form the basis of whether people react positively or not. Sadly ignorance exists'
A very good point which shows why the TV industry needs to contribute to breaking down ignorance.
@rlxb123 'tv programmes make being #lgb an issue. When surely it should be dealt with like any other relationship story line!'
I can't stress the above enough!
@DameStephen Our perceptions are shaped by the society we live in. Everyone's influenced by what they read, hear, and watch...so it's inevitable that those behind the cameras will be affected by what they watch on screen.'
Well said!
@StonewallUK: 'All media have an influence on people's points of view, so it's really important for LGB issues to be covered accurately.'
@RainbowTweeters: 'The Corrie Sophie/Sian storyline was a great exception & dealt more with their love than coming out.'
@SaraHansonITV replied to this: 'This is the approach we are trying to take with all areas of equality in drama. Authentic character interaction.'
More questions to follow...
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