Aces in the 2023 GLAAD TV report

Today, GLAAD released its annual report, “Where Are We on TV” regarding LGBTQ+ representation. You can view the full report here.

We went through the report for the references to ace representation. Here’s what we found:

Aces in GLAAD’s “Where We Are on TV” report 2023:

Of the 596 LGBTQ+ characters counted across all three platforms [broadcast, cable and scripted originals on streaming], six (one percent) were asexual.

Note: GLAAD later states in the executive summary “another oft-underrepresented group also saw significant increases this year, GLAAD counted eight asexual characters up from two in the previous year.”

Broadcast

There are zero asexual characters counted on broadcast television for the 2022-23 season.

Cable

Of 139 LGBTQ+ characters on cable, two were asexual.

            These two characters are also nonbinary (out of nine nonbinary characters across cable).

“There are two asexual characters counted on cable, twins Glen and Glenda from Syfy’s Chucky. There were zero asexual characters counted on cable in the previous study.”

Streaming

Of 356 LGBTQ+ characters on streaming, four characters counted are asexual (one percent), which marks an increase from last report’s two characters. All four asexual characters appear on Netflix.

            In this report’s research period, Netflix posted a significant increase in LGBTQ inclusive animated series. The most recent season of Big Mouth introduced Elijah, a young Black teen who is coming to terms with being asexual.

            Netflix released new series Heartbreak High this year, which features an LGBTQ ensemble, including nonbinary character Darren, lesbian and autistic character Quinni, asexual character Ca$h, and more.

            Of 25 nonbinary characters, two are asexual

            Of the 356 on streaming, 63 (18 percent) are Black, including Elijah on Big Mouth.

Many thanks to GLAAD for continuing to track ace representation and provide these statistics!