The 1996-1997 television season heralded in more gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters than any season before. It was during this season that Ellen came out of the closet, becoming the first title character of a television show to be openly gay or lesbian.

There were 34 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters on television during the 1996-1997 television season.

All My Children: teacher Michael Delaney (Chris Bruno), student Kevin Sheffield (Ben Jorgensen), TV station stage manager Rudy (Lance Baldwin) and Michael's orthopedic specialist boyfriend Dr. Brad Phillips (Daniel McDonald). SUPPORTING/SUPPORTING/RECURRING/RECURRING. ABC.

Babylon 5: Susan Ivanova (Claudia Christian), the Lt. Commander of Babylon 5, and Talia Winters (Andrea Thompson), the station's telepath. SUPPORTING. Syndicated.

Bedtime: featured couple Liz (Susan Gibney) and Donna (Felicity Hoffman). RECURRING/RECURRING. Showtime.

Chicago Hope: Doctor Robert Lawrence (Mark Benninghofen). RECURRING. CBS.

Cybill: Waiter (Tim Maculan). RECURRING. CBS.

Ellen: On April 30, 1997, Ellen Morgan (Ellen DeGeneres) came out of the closet! Other gay characters include Ellen Morgan's (Ellen DeGeneres) friend Peter (Patrick Bristow) and his boyfriend Barrett (Jack Plotnick), who is also Paige's (Joely Fisher) assistant. LEAD/SUPPORTING/SUPPORTING. ABC.

E.R.: Emergency Room Intern Dr. Maggie Doyle (Jorja Fox). SUPPORING. NBC.

Fired Up: Publicist Ashley (Mark Davis). RECURRING. NBC.

Frasier: Food critic Gil Chesterton (Edward Hibbert). RECURRING. NBC.

Friends: Ross' (David Schwimmer) ex-wife Carol Wylick (Jane Sibbett) and her spouse Susan Bunch (Jessica Hecht). RECURRING/RECURRING. NBC.

The Larry Sanders Show: Hank's (Jeffrey Tambor) secretary Brian (Scott Thompson). SUPPORTING. HBO.

Mad About You: Paul's (Paul Reiser) sister Debbie Buchman (Robin Bartlett) and her girlfriend Joan (Suzie Plakson), who is also Jamie's (Helen Hunt) gynecologist. SUPPORTING/SUPPORTING. NBC.

Melrose Place: Melrose Place Resident Matt Fielding (Doug Savant). SUPPORTING. FOX.

Nash Bridges: Nash's (Don Johnson) sister Stacey Bridges (Angela Dorhmann). RECURRING. CBS.

NYPD Blue: Officer Abby Sullivan (Paige Turco). SUPPORTING. ABC.

Party of Five: Claudia's (Lacey Chabert) violin teacher Ross (Mitchell Anderson). RECURRING. FOX.

Profiler: VCTF Computer Specialist George Fraley (Peter Frechette). SUPPORTING. NBC.

Relativity: Leo's (David Conrad) sister Rhonda Roth (Lisa Edelstein). SUPPORTING. ABC.

Roseanne: Rosanne's business partner Leon Carp (Martin Mull) and his lover Scott (Fred Willard). Roseanne's friend and business partner Nancy Bartlett (Sandra Berhardt). Roseanne's and Jackie's mom Beverly Harris (Estelle Parsons). RECURRING/RECURRING/RECURRING/RECURRING. ABC.

The Simpsons: Mr. Burns' assistant Waylon Smithers (Harry Shearer). RECURRING. FOX.

Spin City: Director of Minority Affairs Carter Heywood (Michael Boatman). SUPPORTING. ABC

Unhappily Ever After: Ryan and Tiffany's best friend Barry Wallenstein (ANT). RECURRING. The WB.