Frankie Grande and Peppermint lead reality TV stars in open letter: 'We are at a tipping point' (exclusive)
Frankie Grande and Peppermint are leading a group of reality television stars in an open letter asking for producers and studio executives for "fair, accurate and relevant representation of LGBTQ people."
The letter, sent and co-signed by GLAAD, asks industry professionals to "move beyond tokenism" by including multiple and diverse LGBTQ+ perspectives in shows instead of relying on just one cast member. The authors note that such narratives can "dispel ignorance, hate, misinformation and harm."
"The attacks against the transgender community isn't just about politics. It's all overwhelming and there's a lot happening to trans people that many Americans may not be aware of," Peppermint tells The Advocate. "I am concerned for the status of my identity documents, my safety when I'm traveling, and when I'm using accommodations; I don't want to be discriminated against or treated unfairly or singled out. While it's a moment for people like myself to feel powerless in, it's the exact moment to raise our voices and take action."
"We need all hands on deck and working in all areas both on offense and defense at the same time. Reality TV is increasingly popular, it not only shapes culture, it's the most reflective representation of the state of our culture at any given time," she continues. "So, given the effort to roll back protections for LGBTQ people and to erase transgender people from the map, now is the time to say that we aren't just here, there's unlimited choice and stories to cast for a growing audience that wants to see themselves in the shows they watch."
The letter has been co-signed by reality stars such as Nicole Byer, Michelle Buteau, Paulie Califiore, Alan Cumming, Monét X Change, Racquel Chevremont, Elliott Cooper, Sandra Diaz, Nicole Franzel, Ilana Glazer, Taylor Hale, Bob The Drag Queen, Britney Haynes, Derrick Levasseur, Jazz Jennings, Margaret Josephs, Amrit Kapai, Meghan King, Ts Madison, Meredith Marks, Greg Mathis Jr., Elliot Page, Phaedra Parks, Xavier Prather, Queen Priyanka, Rachel Riley, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Christian Siriano, Braunwyn Spinner, Chrishell Stause, Zeke Thomas, Andie Vanacore, Sheree Whitfield, and Peter Weber.
"While we've made impressive strides in LGBTQ visibility over the decades, the fact remains that for far too long now, reality shows too often include just one LGBTQ storyline or depend on a single LGBTQ cast member to represent an entire community of individuals and experiences," it states in part. "This kind of storytelling is stale, archaic and does not truly reflect the vibrant and diverse queer community that exists in our country and LGBTQ communities around the world."
The letter also notes that this "tokenism" is not representative of the population, particularly Gen Z. A recent Gallup survey found that 9.3 percent of adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+, including over 23 percent of those born between 1997 and 2006.
"Right now is absolutely the right time because we are at a tipping point," Grande tells The Advocate. "With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric on the rise, visibility isn't just important — it's life-saving. Reality TV has the power to reach millions of homes, and when viewers see LGBTQ+ people living authentically, with love, joy, and complexity — it changes hearts, minds, and entire narratives. Representation on reality shows isn't just about entertainment, it's about empathy. And in this moment, empathy is a radical act. We have the chance to shape culture in real-time — and we're not letting that moment pass us by."
"Partnering with Peppermint — a radiant, fearless trans icon and advocate — is everything. She brings her lived experience, her incredible voice, and her unstoppable passion to this message," he continues. "Together, we're saying that LGBTQ+ inclusion in reality TV isn't optional — it's essential. Peppermint understands the power of visibility because she is that power. She knows that when trans and queer people are seen, respected, and centered on screen, it sends a message to the world: we belong. Working with her on this is a dream, and a call to action. We're demanding more than just a seat at the table — we're flipping the table and making room for all of us."
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