As Pride Month celebrations continue, a recent survey from advocacy group GLAAD reports a greater acceptance of the LGBTQ community among the public as more gay and lesbian characters are portrayed on television.

GLAAD’s LGBTQ Inclusion in Advertising and Media survey reported that 48% of respondents who had been exposed to LGBTQ people in the media said they are more accepting of gay and lesbian people, compared to 35% of respondents who had not recently seen LGBTQ people in the media.

GLAAD chief communications officer Rich Ferraro discussed the results of GLAAD’s survey as well as the organization’s advocacy plans beyond Pride Month in a wide-ranging interview, an edited version of which appears below.

Before we begin, what is your reaction to the recent Supreme Court ruling on LGBTQ workplace protections?

The Supreme Court’s historic ruling protecting LGBTQ people from being fired for being LGBTQ is a moment to celebrate, but it is long overdue. It’s shocking that still in 2020 our dignity is being debated and decided upon by the highest Court in the land. The ruling is a reminder for how far LGBTQ have to go for full equality, particularly at a time when the number of murders of Black transgender women are rising and when conversion therapy – the dangerous and debunked practice of trying to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQ youth – is still allowed in many states. So while we can celebrate that a conservative leaning Supreme Court granted us a basic right, we are reminded of how far LGBTQ have yet to go.

What is the correlation between the increase in the public’s acceptance of the LGBTQ community as sited in GLAAD’s report and the rising number of gay and lesbian characters on television?

Over the past few years, we've definitely seen an uptick of characters across broadcast streaming and cable who are LGBTQ. I think that's a reflection of the world that we're living in where there are more LGBTQ people visible and being out. What our latest report showed is that non-LGBTQ people are comfortable with this. I think that's a big permission slip for the industry to do more and do better, and by do better I mean it's not just enough to have an LGBTQ character in a secondary role these days. What we should be looking at is how we can focus more on diverse LGBTQ people and stories.

Are you satisfied with the progress the media has made in the positive reflection of LGBTQ characters?

It's still a mixed bag when it comes to the quality and diversity of LGBTQ people. There are shows like Pose (pictured) which has really raised the bar for representation of LGBTQ people on TV. The show centers on trans issues, HIV and other issues that for too long were missing from television and from the industry. I think there are some networks and streaming services like Netflix that are recognizing this and are creating content to meet that need. We're having discussions with casting directors to make sure that there are queer voices at the table to represent the community in the best way. We're not saying every character on TV has to be an LGBTQ hero, although it would be great to see more LGBTQ superheroes. What we're asking for is accurate and diverse depictions. They don't always have to be positive because LGBTQ people do have struggles, and I think that those struggles and those issues are often glossed over by the industry.

In the GLAAD study, 85% of respondents believe companies that feature LGBTQ characters in their advertisements reflect a commitment to offering products to all types of customers. Does that show that inclusion is good for a company’s bottom line?

Inclusion is good for business and good for your brand. Research has shown that when people see us in the media, they're more likely to accept LGBTQ people and issues and those brands that associate with it. I think that's a big shift from just a few years ago when media companies and brands were concerned about including LGBTQ people, because they thought the general public would respond negatively. But now we're hearing that the general public is ready to see more LGBTQ stories, so the next step is to make sure that those stories are presented in ways that fairly and accurately reflect our diversity.

What next’s up for GLAAD in terms of what the organization is doing within the marketplace?

This year we entered a Pride Month in which over 205 marches and festivals were canceled or postponed, and where our safe spaces -- bars, LGBTQ community centers and nightclubs -- were closed, leaving some LGBTQ people -- especially youth -- to isolate in homes that are not affirming. So people are turning to the media, and we wanted to make sure that the industry heard that LGBTQ visibility is good for business and it's good for the world. We are also centering our messaging on content featuring LGBTQ people of color, specifically black LGBTQ people.There are so many intersectional issues right now that often go unnoticed as LGBTQ issues … LGBTQ people of color are victims of police brutality and are living in a racist society, and more and more of the LGBTQ movement and our organizations are standing with those individuals and with those communities. It's so important for our community to hear from black LGBTQ voices during this time and going forward.

Global tech trade association ITI has commended the Supreme Court for its landmark gay and transgender civil rights decision.  

That was among the many reactions from tech, communications and policy circles to the news.

“An inclusive and diverse workplace makes our communities and our companies stronger,” said ITI President Jason Oxman. “This historic decision ensures that employees across the United States are protected by law from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace. Our industry stands with our LGBTQ employees and partners to celebrate this significant milestone and continue the ongoing fight for equality, including urging the U.S. Senate to pass the Equality Act. 

The High Court, in a 6-3 decision, has held that the 1964 Civil Rights Act prevents discrimination by an employer on the basis of sexual orientation, a huge victory for the civil rights of the LGBTQ community. 

The court reversed an 11th Circuit Court decision that an employer could fire someone for "simply being homosexual or transgender." 

Conservatives joining the liberals in overturning the 11th Circuit were Justice Neil Gorsuch, who penned the decision, and Chief Justice John Roberts.  

Dissenting from the decision were Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, who joined in a dissent written by Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh, who wrote his own dissent.  

Also weighing in from Washington was FCC Commissioner Jessica Roswenworcel, who tweeted:

[embed]https://twitter.com/JRosenworcel/status/1272561124127449088[/embed]

Verizon said in a statement: "Today’s historic ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court is a victory for Verizon employees and millions of American workers. We fully support equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and have long advocated for these issues."

Earlier this month, Verizon was named one of the best places to work in terms of LGBTQ equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

“With this landmark court ruling the Supreme Court has recognized that discrimination against LGBTQ employees is not permissible under federal civil rights law," said Comcast CEO Brian Roberts. "We stand with the Human Rights Campaign and the hundreds of other companies that filed in support of LGBTQ inclusion and non-discrimination. This ruling is an important step towards equal treatment for the LGBTQ community and their families.”

“We are a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and have long supported efforts to ensure employees feel safe, valued and heard," said AT&T senior VP and chief diversity officer Corey Anthony. "Since 1975, we have implemented polices prohibiting discrimination against employees based on sexual orientation. AT&T also joined many companies in filing an amicus brief last summer in support of this outcome. We agree with today’s U.S. Supreme Court’s decision and look forward to continuing to champion an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse background of our employees and society.”

"Diversity is our national special sauce which fosters innovation," said Consumer Technology Association President Gary Shapiro. "Today's historic Supreme Court ruling protecting LGBTQ+ people is a landmark victory for freedom and diversity, which will continue to propel our country's entrepreneurial spirit forward. Our nation was created to be, and continues to serve as, a beacon for freedom, liberty and equal opportunity, and today's ruling ensures that we continue to be a country where anyone can invent, create and do business. This decision upholds these values and helps ensure all Americans can be their best selves."

Nickelodeon will look at the plight of gay kids with a special to debut Oct. 7, the network said Thursday.

The special, Nick News With Linda Elerbee: Coming Out will follow the everyday lives of gay kids as they face fear, acceptance, bullying, isolation, encouragement and ignorance, said the network. The half-hour special will also show how straight and non-straight teens can come together to triumph over bullying.

“It takes bravery for a kid to come out,” says Ellerbee in a statement. “Being accepted by straight people is not a given.  Being young and ‘different’ is not easy. This may be tough to talk about, or hear about, but this is important stuff.  Not addressing it doesn’t make it go away.”