In what is being naturally seen as a major step towards equality, LGBTQ representation on television has hit a record high. It must be noted that while cable TV is still far behind, broadcast networks and streaming platforms are leading the way.

According to GLAAD’s ‘Where We Are On TV Report 2019’, of the 879 regular characters expected to appear on broadcast scripted primetime programming this season, 90 (10.2%) were identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer.

There were also an additional 30 recurring LGBTQ characters. However, only one asexual character was counted in this report, Todd Chavez on Netflix’s BoJack Horseman. No additional asexual characters have been added, and BoJack Horseman is set to air its final episodes in this reporting period.

When it comes to streaming services, Netflix counts the highest number of LGBTQ characters while Showtime counts the highest number on cable networks. The CW boasts the highest percentage of LGBTQ series regular characters of the five broadcast networks.

“I am beyond thrilled, with a lot of optimism. That we exceeded the targets we set out is pretty phenomenal,” GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis told USA TODAY. “It’s a real testament to Hollywood stepping up (in representing) marginalized communities when we have an administration that is trying to be divisive.”

This year, the report further elaborates, “there are 38 regular and recurring transgender characters tracked across all three platforms (broadcast, cable, streaming originals), up from 26 last year. Of those, 21 are trans women, 12 are trans men, and five are non-binary characters.”

(Header credits: A screenshot from Pose)