LGBT rights have been an issue for a while now. Problems with things like marriage equality and basic rights to use public restrooms flood the news stations. These problems are created and addressed so often that people forget that members of the LGBT community are just like them; people.

More positive representation of this community needs to be showed more often through television and movies. Television and film are such a huge part of culture today. Things like Netflix and Hulu are right at our fingertips, and their variety of movies and shows to choose from is extensive. Yet how many can you actually say have some sort of positive representation of either a gay/lesbian, queer, or transgendered individual? Whether that be a main character, or even a supporting role, there isn't enough. This is what frustrates me.

Film has such a huge impact, especially on youth today. It could have the potential to help thousands of people express themselves more freely. If a television show or movie is accepted with an LGBT character, why shouldn't society accept them just the same?

Currently, there are some shows with LGBT characters. Shows like "Glee," "The 100," "Orange Is The New Black," and "Modern Family" all have LGBT characters and couples in them. In addition, some of the actual actors of television and film are a part of the LGBT community themselves. Actors and actresses like Neil Patrick Harris, Jane Lynch, Jim Parsons, and Sarah Paulson also express their support for the community, though it may not always be through the roles they play on screen.

This is 2016. We've made so many strides in support and acceptance of LGBT community members, but we still have a ways to go. Personally, I believe that the more the community is represented on television, the more people will understand that they are people too, and deserve acceptance.