Study finds more gay characters on network TV

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation says the number of gay and bisexual characters on prime-time network TV is up slightly this season, to 18 out of a total of 600 roles.

According to the group, the increase over 2008 fell well short of the more than twofold percentage jump in the 2008 season compared to 2007.

The 14th annual "Where We Are on TV" report released Wednesday found that 3 percent of actors appearing regularly on network drama and comedy series in the 2009-10 season will portray gay, lesbian or bisexual characters.

That's up from 2.6 percent in the 2008-09 season. In 2007-08, it was 1.1 percent.

Only four of the 18 characters this season are nonwhite, GLAAD found, and there is only one lesbian role, on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy."