The Boys of the Group (2020)
GLAAD has released its annual report on Diversity and Representation in Hollywood. And the results have been mixed.
The advocacy group found that of the 44 films released from major studios in 2020, ten (22.7%) contained LGBTQ characters, including Like a Boss, The Broken Hearts Gallery, Fantasy Island, Valley Girl, Freaky, The New Mutants and Birds of Prey. .
This is an increase of 4.1%, but a decrease of 12 films compared to 18.6% last year (22 out of 118 films). The limited number of films released in theaters in 2020 is a direct result and a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has closed several theaters in the United States and around the world for much of the year.
Despite all this, some films have still managed to cram complex and unique queer characters to our delight.
The movies we’ve featured here all pass the test of GLAAD founder Vito Russo (named after the late and great queer cinema columnist) when it comes to their LGBTQ characters.
To be successful, a film must include an explicitly queer character; the character must have more personality traits beyond his gender and sexuality, and he must play a crucial role in the plot.
As such, the titles all include positive and complex characters, some of whom have ancillary sexuality and gender identity, others have a sexuality or gender that plays a significant role in the plot.
Hollywood still has a long way to go when it comes to gay people on screen. Still, it’s good to know and recognize it: some movies do succeed, even in a slow year for movies.
Birds of prey
One of the few studio films to earn GLAAD’s praise – and indeed, one of the few to get a theatrical release (thanks again, COVID) –Birds of prey was acclaimed for finally confirming the bisexuality of Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie). Granted, the reference to Harley’s ex-girlfriend comes just in passing, and she spends most of the movie deciding on the Joker. Yet seeing a queer character in a studio, tentpole comic book movie is A big deal. Given that Robbie has expressed interest in further exploring Harley’s relationships with women, we look forward to the sequel.
Broadcast on HBO Max and Hulu.
