TV writers worry online backlash could have a negative effect on LGBTQ character representation

AUSTIN, Texas -- The figures don't lie: Television has been burying its gay characters at startling rates. And while more fans than ever have taken a stand against shows whose storylines have contributed to the dangerous trope this year, the swift and loud online backlash that often follows controversial developments with LGBTQ characters could be having a negative effect on representation, a panel of TV writers warned on Saturday. 

Among those on the panel, which was part of the ATX TV Festival, were writers and creatives whose former and current shows have featured high-profile LGBTQ characters, including Krista Vernoff from Grey's Anatomy, Carter Covington from MTV's Faking It, and Javier Grillo-Marxuach from The 100, which earlier this year found itself at the center of a huge controversy after killing off Lexa, one half of a much-loved LGBTQ couple. 

That death, and the subsequent conversation that it spawned, reignited a movement to see better quality storylines for LGBTQ characters. While the panel praised the passion of outspoken fans and the important awareness their efforts have created, not all feedback is always constructive, they said. In fact, they said, it is often, simply, bullying. 

"When we break the hearts of the fans of [LGBTQ] relationships, we are assaulted with a venom that I don't receive from anyone else," Vernoff said. "I think that we say things to each other online that we simple wouldn't say in life."

Vernoff, however, said she tries to remind reactors that Grey's Anatomy has a lauded history of diversity -- both in terms of sexuality and race -- and aims to tell rich, well-rounded stories about all characters. 

"These are your allies," she added. "Look at the shows that have no women and no gay people and let's write them some letters asking for representation." 

In 2016 so far, over a dozen LBGTQ characters have been killed off shows, including The Walking Dead, The Vampire Diaries and The Magicians. 

Covington, meanwhile, hopes he sees a "change in the conversation" and that fans of LGBTQ characters "become a glass half full type of fandom where we reach out and give love and support," 

"I just wish the conversation was more of gratitude so we could have more. People would be rewarded and you're going to get so many more LGBT characters," he said. "But for someone who's not part of our community who's watching these articles come out and reading these thought pieces, why would you say, 'I want to create a bisexual or lesbian character.' I'm really worried it's going to have the opposite effect of what people want." 

Covington, whose show Faking It was recently cancelled, added that he hopes to continue telling LGBTQ stories, but that "networks are terrified" seeing the storm of hate that could brew from one wrong move, which could have a negative effect going forward. 

"They will look for any reason not to do something. ... I would hate for us to lose opportunities because of fear of backlash." 

Grillo-Marxuach said the experience with The 100 fans, while at times filled with vitriol, was something he valued. 

"I'm basically like a privileged white dude and people are mad at me on the Internet for something I did and to take the time to listen to people -- even their anger, even when it is very bluntly and cruelly stated -- is not a huge withdrawal from the bank of privilege for somebody who has the honor to do the job I do," he said. "Some of us are willing to engage and even get past the anger to find out the reason behind your anger."

He added, "I am grateful for the tidal wave that came down on me -- for a number of reasons that have nothing to do with the narrative of 'the bigot who got educated.' [I am grateful] for the exposure and the understanding I received and that people are willing to share their stories and willing to share their rage and the other emotions that go with that. The activism that goes on online is hugely important to exposing a lot of people who otherwise wouldn't know what you're going through." 

Or, as Vernoff put it simply: "Raise your voices -- but don't be dicks." 

The ATX TV Festival continues through the weekend in Austin, Texas. 

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