Skimm'd while texting with Helen Mirren

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NOVEMBER 08, 2019

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Skimm'd while texting with Helen Mirren


  QUOTE OF THE DAY  

"Yes" – Steve Carell on whether he has a favorite child. Just what every sibling wants to hear...

GLAAD TO SEE MORE DIVERSITY ON TV

The Story

A new report shows that LGBTQ+ diversity on TV is at an all-time high.

Is there a catch?

Nope. Just some genuinely good news on a Friday. Last year, the advocacy group GLAAD called on the TV industry to do better when incorporating LGBTQ+ diversity. And called for 10% representation on screen by 2020. Yesterday, it released a report saying the industry delivered with 10.2%.

Not bad.

Not at all. The study also shows that LGBTQ+ women characters outnumbered LGBTQ+ men on broadcast TV for the first time ever. And, this is the second year in a row that LGBTQ+ people of color outnumbered those who are white. Latinx set their own record high for representation. There was also an increase in the number of transgender characters. But GLAAD doesn't want to stop there.

Keep going...

It's challenging the TV world to get to 20% by 2025. And that within the next two years, all platforms should make sure at least half of the LGBTQ+ characters in shows are people of color. In the meantime, the study credited shows like "Pose," which features the biggest LGBTQ+ cast ever for a scripted show – and "Batwoman," which features the first gay superhero in a lead TV role.

theSkimm

More than 11 million adults identify as LGBTQ+ in the US. And having this type of diversity on TV highlights the inclusivity that people have been asking for for decades.

AND ALSO...THIS

What's suiting up…

The Trump admin. Earlier this week, it sued pharma company Gilead Sciences over alleged patent infringement. Gilead reportedly sells the only two HIV-prevention meds on the market, which can cost around $20,000 a year. The Trump admin's accusing the company of using gov patents to sell the meds without its permission. It also says the company's profiting off of taxpayer-funded research. Gilead has dismissed the gov's patent claims as "invalid."


...Oh and in related news, scientists have found a new strain of HIV for the first time in nearly 20 years. They say this discovery could help prevent new pandemics.


Skimm This: Our latest podcast ep explains the legal battle between the Trump admin and Gilead.


What's getting pulled from the shelves…

Juul's mint-flavored products. Yesterday, the e-cig giant said it'll stop selling them. It's the company's most popular flavor, and accounts for about 70% of its sales in the US. This comes amid more than 2,000 cases of vaping-related lung illnesses and 39 deaths.


Chicken. More than 2 million pounds of it, to be exact. They've been recalled in eight states because of potential contamination of things like metal. What the cluck.


Who might have 2020 vision…

Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg. While he's still thinking things over, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions is throwing his hat in the ring for his old US Senate seat in Alabama.


When it turns into sweater weather…

About time.


When you start to think about the last time you were ghosted…

Was it around February?

SKIMM READS

"Olive, Again" by Elizabeth Strout

This fall, we're ordering martinis with extra olives. Yes, Olive Kitteridge is back with commentary on motherhood, loneliness, and the quirkiness of small-town life in Maine. The beauty is in the writing – but even if you didn't read the original, you'll fall fast for this group of interrelated stories.

SKIMM PICKS

For when you have a bonus coming…

Do your happy dance. But don't spend it all in one place. We partnered with John Hancock to help you divide (and conquer) a cash windfall. Here you go.*


For when the holidays are your favorite…

We have something for you. The new movie "Last Christmas" is in theaters today. And hold on to your Santa hat, because the soundtrack exclusively features music from George Michael and Wham! You've gotta hear it.*


For when holiday shopping is about to get crazy...

Get ahead of it with curated gift guides at Verishop. They have luxe options for everyone on your list (read: men's and women's fashion, home, beauty...we did mean everyone). Plus free one-day shipping. Psst...Skimm'rs get 15% off. Add to cart.*


For when everyone is smiling in the family picture…

Hii, holiday card. Get it done with this company. Pro tip: they're giving one lucky winner $1,500 toward cards and gifts and $1,500 toward a winter wardrobe. Yes, really. Enter to win.*

*PS This is a sponsored post.

PROGRAMMING NOTE

Skimm HQ is off on Veterans Day to honor those who've served. Meaning no Daily Skimm on Monday. See you back in your inbox on Tuesday.

SKIMM'RS

Spotlight on…Jess M (MA). She started the Beth Martin Memorial Foundation to help women battling ovarian cancer, in honor of her mom who died from it. The foundation's goal: help women with everyday problems that result from the diagnosis (think: making mortgage payments while in the hospital).


(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Dad Ken Zakin (NY), theSkimm's Anna Paskow (NY), Nino Magliocco (NY), Mike Aprati (AZ), George Coleman Jr. (IL), Bernie Cohen (NJ), Yerin Kim (VA), Kim Stabinsky (NJ), Catherine Zaruba (TX), Gabi Messinger (AZ), Stephanie Trautman (MI), Claire Burke (NY), John O'Brien (CT), Brian Murray (NJ), Kelsey McMillen (PA)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.