DEFEND OUR FREEDOM TO BE SEEN:
TELL THE FCC THAT LGBTQ STORIES DON’T NEED A WARNING LABEL
The FCC Needs To Hear From You
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
Use this link to comment on Proceeding 19-41 FCC Express Comment Form.
Enter your name and address. Providing an email address is optional.
If you have concerns about privacy, you may use your initials or public address in your local area, such as City Hall. Do not use a joke name. It diminishes the comment’s credibility.
Enter your comments in the “Brief Comments” section.
Click “continue to review screen,” verify accuracy, and submit.
If you feel comfortable, screenshot your FCC comment and share it on your own social media accounts. Urge your own followers to file their own FCC comment too. You can share GLAAD.org/FCC in your post and tag GLAAD.
How to Write an Impactful Comment:
Submit your comment by the deadline (May 22nd).
Your submission does not need to be long. A single, well-reasoned paragraph is sufficient.
Do not copy/paste a template comment. The FCC values unique perspectives, and an original comment carries significantly more weight in the public record. You can explain why this matters to you without revealing private or sensitive personal information.
You can use the following prompts as a starting point to draft your own original statement:
Protect Free Speech: I believe the media should remain free from government interference and that federal agencies should not dictate or control the content Americans can watch on TV.
Oppose Discriminatory Labels: Giving LGBTQ-inclusive programming unique “warning” labels undermines artistic expression and threatens fundamental First Amendment principles.
Share Personal Impact: Seeing LGBTQ images on TV was incredibly important to me when I was growing up. It helped my own development and sense of belonging. Visibility matters.
Support Transgender People: I know transgender people in my life and they are not a threat to me or my family. Stories about them do not require warning labeling.
A Parent’s Perspective: As a parent, I want my children to see all kinds of people in the shows they watch.
Media Industry Freedom: I work in media and believe that media companies should have the freedom to tell stories that audiences want to see, including LGBTQ stories.
Comments are due to the FCC by Midnight EST on Friday, May 22, 2026
