Literature Review & State of the Art
Before developing the ontology, we grounded our project in a solid theoretical framework. This review combined two main sources of knowledge:
Reports and Data from LGBTQ+ media advocacy organizations, especially GLAAD
Queer Media Studies, including narrative theory and intersectionality
🏳️🌈 The Role of GLAAD
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), founded in 1985, is one of the most influential organizations in LGBTQ+ media representation. It publishes yearly reports that monitor both the quantity and quality of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media. These documents provide a vital empirical basis for assessing progress and recurring issues such as:
Tokenism
Stereotyping
Lack of screen time or depth
Underrepresentation of transgender and non-binary characters
The two main sources used are:
📌 Where We Are on TV (2023-2024)
Tracks LGBTQ+ characters in scripted television by network, identity, and genre.
📌 SRI — Studio Responsibility Index (2023)
Assesses how major Hollywood studios portray LGBTQ+ people in film, evaluating both diversity and narrative function.
📋 2.1 Vito Russo Test
Inspired by the Bechdel Test, the Vito Russo Test was developed by GLAAD to assess the narrative relevance and quality of LGBTQ+ representation in film. It is named after Vito Russo, co-founder of GLAAD and author of The Celluloid Closet.
To pass the test, a film (or show) must meet all three conditions:
Include an identifiably LGBTQ+ character.
The character must not be defined solely by their gender identity or sexual orientation.
The character must impact the plot meaningfully (i.e., they can’t be removed without affecting the story).
If a character appears only to fulfill a stereotype or as diversity optics, the portrayal fails the test. In our project, the Vito Russo Test helped distinguish between fair and unfair portrayals, particularly in relation to narrative function and character development.
🎓 Queer Media Theory
To move beyond surface-level inclusion, we relied on theoretical frameworks in queer media studies to understand why certain portrayals are authentic and others feel superficial.
Key areas of focus included:
🏳️ Coming Out Narratives: Visibility and self-discovery arcs
❤️ Queer Relationships: From marginalization to normalization
✊ Intersectionality: Gender and sexual orientation
🌀 Resistance & Subversion: Disrupting heteronormative storytelling
These themes informed the structure of our ontology by helping define key dimensions such as:
Representation Type (Fair vs. Unfair)
Character Depth and Agency
Narrative Role (Static vs. Dynamic)
Presence or absence of Stereotypes
“Representation is not just about visibility, but about the conditions and intentions of that visibility.” — Inspired by Stuart Hall, bell hooks, and GLAAD Reports
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