More than 50 years ago, the first show to include a LGBTQ+ character on primetime television was “All in the Family” in 1971, which featured Philip Carey portraying the character Steve. One year later, Australian soap opera “Number 96” featured the first openly gay and recurring character, Don Finlayson, played by Joe Hasham. Over recent years, queer people have become a part of television, ranging across all genres.

GLAAD, formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has been releasing reports since 2005 on LGBTQ+ representation in television. This past year they published their 20th report, which showed that across original and primetime television between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025 there were 489 regular or recurring LGBTQ+ characters.

However, homophobia is still prevalant in many audiences. In a now-deleted viral TikTok, user @brokenwifi101 asked why there was a need for LGBTQ+ representation.

“Why do we have to have LGBTQ+ representation in all of the shows? I understand there’s gay people among us, there’s trans people among us, but not everybody wants that in their shows,” @brokenwifi101 said. “Like we know that y’all are there. But they’re trying to normalize it … sometimes it just feels forced.”

This ideology is something many people share. For example, in “Bridgerton‘s” newest season the creators introduced Michaela Stirling, who replaced the character of Michael Stirling in the books, as Francesca Bridgerton’s future love interest. In the comment section of an Instagram reel featuring Michaela, the top comment — which has over 3,700 likes — says that some fans do not accept Michaela and want Michael instead. This sentiment has echoed throughout many “Bridgerton” posts featuring Michaela, with many comments reading, “We want Michael.” This has even led to the actress who portrays Michaela, Masali Baduza, to limit the comments on her Instagram posts due to the intense amount of hate she received.

Queer representation is important, and many people don’t realize that hate towards queer characters can impact queer people. According to an oral presentation at the 2024 Student Research and Creativity Conference, there is a statistically significant relationship between LGBTQ+ people engaging with and being satisfied with queer media. The study emphasized the need for queer representation in mainstream television. Seeing queer characters in the media is important because it helps LGBTQ+ individuals discover who they are and find community. Seeing queer characters is important to include in shows because it more accurately reflects society, especially because 9.3% of adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+.

Some people may even not recognize they are queer, due to heteronormativity. Heteronormativity is the idea that being heterosexual is the “normal” sexual orientation and is culturally expected of people. Because of this, many queer youth grow up without being exposed to other queer people in media, which can make it harder for them to discover their own sexual identities. One way that queer individuals can see their stories being told and their identities expressed is through characters in television.

The Vito Russo test was coined by GLAAD in 2013 and is a queer media test inspired by the Bechdel Test. GLAAD developed its own set of criteria to analyze how LGBTQ+ characters are included in a film and television. For media to pass the Vito Russo test, it must contain a character that is identifiably lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. Additionally, that character must not be predominantly defined by their sexual orientation or gender identity. This means they have the same sort of unique character traits commonly used to differentiate straight and cisgender characters from one another.

The LGBTQ+ character must also be tied to the plot in such a way that the character’s removal would have a significant effect. In other words, the character is not there to simply provide colorful commentary, paint urban authenticity or set up a punchline. Lastly, the LGBTQ+ character’s story must not default to well-known tropes or stereotypes with no further development. In media with multiple LGBTQ+ characters, at least one character must meet the test’s criteria.

Popular television shows that pass the Vito Russo test include “Yellowjackets,” “The Pitt,” “Heated Rivalry,” “Euphoria,” “Stranger Things,” “Bridgerton” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Many modern examples, across genres, are offering more nuanced and accurate representation. Queer people aren’t monolithic, so why should queer shows be? You don’t need to be queer to watch television with queer characters. Seeing queer characters, like Michaela on “Bridgerton,” shouldn’t spark outrage or controversy.

I encourage you, next time you’re watching television, to notice if there is queer representation and see if it passes the Vito Russo test.

This story was originally published on The Oracle on March 17, 2026.