Television juggernaut the BBC just made a surprising announcement: the network wants more gayness on TV.
The proclamation follows a series of surveys that found only about half of young people (ages 18-24) identify as âfully heterosexual.â Internal surveys of BBC employees have also reported that workers deem the work environment a âheteronormative culture.â
The announcement also succeeds a recent trend on the British television station to increase LGBTQ representation in network programming. In fact, research conducted in 2016 actually ranked the BBC ahead of US television in terms of the number of queer characters that appeared on screen.
Related: Thereâs a reason why this powerful video from the BBC is bringing gay people to tears
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The move will also correspond with more inclusive policies instituted for the BBC workforce. Network employees will be encouraged to âbring their whole self to work;â in other words, to open up about their sexuality and gender identity.
âAn organisation that appears to have a heteronormative culture is not one that is going to cut ice with them either as a consumer or an employee,â BBC director of radio and education James Purnell told The Telegraph. âWeâre aiming to create the most open, inclusive culture we can.â
Hereâs hoping the BBCâs American counterparts soon adopt the same attitude.
russellhm
Alas, cannot recall which site allowed me to stream this but it is simply excellent. And Ben Wishaw is not as well known here as he is in Britain, of course. But those of us who love all things British, know him from the remake of “Brideshead Revisited” where he portrays Sebastian. And that led to “A Very English Scandal!” If the BBC is eager to add to the selections of things dramatic online, I am in favor. The Beeb has admitted its stodginess and its desire to evolve. We’re the beneficiaries as they are known for quintessential productions of fine things.
MURK
I watched it in Netflix, it was excellent!
girldownunder
I love Brideshead!
I hope this is as good. Fantastic news.
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jakejacob
Canât wait!!!