CTV has reported that there’s not enough LGBTQ+ representation in Canadian film, TV, streaming, and video game industries, despite the fact that nearly every show has a gay character.

But the mainstream outlet cited a study published by Pink Triangle Press—a LGBT advocacy non-profit—that stated portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters often remain superficial and stereotypical.

Released at the Banff World Media Festival, the study is touted as the first large-scale analysis of LGBTQ+ representation in Canada’s English and French entertainment sectors. 

“2SLGBTQIA+ professionals do not feel as though the Canadian media industries are accurately portraying the realities of their lives. This is especially true for trans and gender diverse people and 2SLGBTQIA+ people who experience other intersecting forms of oppression,” the report reads.

The report also states that 85% of industry professionals have observed improvements over the past five years. However, it asserts that a “significant” gap remains in both the amount and type of representation, especially concerning queer and transgender characters.

Based on surveys, interviews, and media content analysis from December 2023 to May, the report finds that gay men are currently the best-represented group within the LGBTQ+ community. 

Yet, the study laments that only 7% of characters in Canadian film and media are gay.

To rectify the “groundbreaking” report, authors claim that government funding shouldn’t just go towards creating LGBT content, but LGBT creators.