Diversity, The Emmys, and The Importance of Representation

On September 19, the 2021 Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS. Now in its 73rd year, the nominations are by far the most diverse, with one in nine of the nominated shows featuring main characters that identify as LGBTQ+. Actress Mj Rodriguez made history this year by being the first nominated trans woman for her role on POSE, breaking a glass ceiling for trans women of color.

Billy Porter, the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy in 2019 for his role in POSE, was also nominated for a third time.

While there is much to celebrate in this years Emmy nominations, there is still a long way to go. Representation matters, but so does the quality of that representation. While series like POSE and I MAY DESTROY YOU are shining examples of meaningful representation, there are many nominations that fail to do so, despite showcasing LGBTQ+ characters.

But how does one define what it means to have positive LGBTQ+ representation?

Enter the Vito Russo Test.

For those unfamiliar, the test “takes its name from celebrated film historian and GLAAD co-founder Vito Russo, whose book The Celluloid Closet remains a foundational analysis of LGBTQ portrayals in Hollywood film.”

“Two thirds of the nominated shows failed to pass the Vito Russo test,” writes Lucy Elizabeth Moffat of Uswitch. “This test takes into consideration whether a character that identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender is included; the character is not solely defined by their sexual orientation or gender identity; the LGBTQ+ character is significantly tied into the plot; and not included to provide colorful commentary, paint urban authenticity, or set up a punchline.”

Of the three diversity media tests—Vito Russo, Bechdel, and DuVernay—Uswitch reports that the Vito Russo “was the least likely test of the three to be passed.”

While this year’s Emmy nominations are a vast improvement from the lack of diversity in the past, it’s important to recognize that there’s still room for growth.