30 Characters Showcasing Positive LGBT Representation on TV Right Now

Image via Syfy

Everyone needs a character to relate to, to look up to, to see themselves in. The LGBT community is finding that harder than ever this year.

In 2016 alone, there have been over twenty lesbian character deaths on television. There are more murders of queer characters than there are happy endings. This has to change.

First sparking massive controversy this year was The 100, a show priding itself above all others on equality and acceptance, as Lexa (Alycia Debnam Carey) and Clarke (Eliza Taylor) were introduced as a slow burn turned passionate sizzle within a few episodes. When Lexa was shot dead by a stray bullet after finally letting her guard down with Clarke, it ignited outrage and fueled a movement.

Lexa’s death was felt so deeply by so many that an advocacy group, “LGBT Fans Deserve Better,” began to offer support and initiate change. Over $130,000 was raised for The Trevor Project, a national organization providing suicide prevention help to queer and questioning youth.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop here. Queer characters play victim to tropes and stereotypes constantly. They’re portrayed as people who hate themselves, who fall in love with the wrong people, who experience heartbreak after heartbreak. They can never catch a break.

So, here’s a list of characters on television right now that are bringing reality and honesty back to LGBT representation.