Today's new guard of LGBTQ creators in TV has opened the door to greater representation and wider inclusivity.

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres made history by coming out on her TV show and in her personal life. But the celebration was short-lived.

HIV/AIDS was initially ignored by TV, and fear of the disease stunted LGBTQ representation. Eventually, TV raised awareness on the issue.

Following the Stonewall Uprising, LGBTQ activists began using television as a tool for change.

Early TV portrayed LGBTQ people as homicidal maniacs and sexual deviants. It wasn't until the '70s that positive portrayals began to emerge.