my waking life

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is targeting LGBTQ stories. They are trying to control what you see on television. This government overreach is dangerous to the existence of an independent and free media.

In a Public Notice released on April 22, 2026, the FCC is asking Americans to submit comments about whether the TV Oversight Management Board (TVOMB) should create new TV ratings to alert viewers to “transgender and gender non-binary programming” and “the discussion or promotion of gender identity themes.”

And the Public Notice does not state how a change in TV ratings will impact gay, lesbian, and bisexual characters and stories on TV. Applying warning labels to programs with transgender and nonbinary characters and stories incorrectly equates them to programming with coarse and crude language, sexual situations, or violence. 

This makes life harder for LGBTQ Americans. It sends a message that the FCC can pressure the TVOMB to add even more ratings that stigmatize other diverse groups.

The FCC cannot directly set TV content ratings, but under this administration, it has a clear pattern of pressuring TV networks to comply with the political agenda of the Federal government. 

The public has until May 22 to submit comments and tell the FCC that LGBTQ characters and stories on television do not harm anyone – our lives should not be compared to content that is violent, coarse, sexual, or includes drug use.

It’s time to tell the FCC that LGBTQ people do not need warning labels.

TAKE ACTION NOW: FILE YOUR COMMENT