A new Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) study has reported an increase of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters on scripted broadcast TV shows this year.

“Where We Are On TV: 2009-2010” recorded a 3 percent presence of LGBT characters who regularly appear on scripted broadcast shows. Last year, the study recorded a 2.6 percent presence.

Among the many characters and shows cited in the study were Mitchell and Cameron, the gay couple from ABC’s “Modern Family,” John Cooper, the gay police officer from NBC’s “Southland,” and Kurt, the gay high school student from FOX’s “Glee.”

LGBT characters on scripted cable shows have meanwhile decreased this year. In 2007, 40 LGBT characters regularly appeared, compared to 32 in 2008 and 25 in 2009. (The 27 LGBT regulars on shows from niche channels like Logo and here! were not included.)

To read more about this story, visit Entertainment Weekly, and to learn more about GLAAD’s study, visit GLAAD’s Web site.

— Simon Husted