Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)

Law & Order: SVU frequently portrays LGBTQ+ characters, often as victims of hate crimes or prejudice. While the subject matter is dark, the show consistently frames discrimination as an external evil, condemning perpetrators and advocating for the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. The narrative's stance is empathetic and affirming, despite the tragic circumstances often depicted.

Over its extensive run, Law & Order: SVU has featured numerous transsexual characters and themes. While some early depictions were criticized for sensationalism or problematic stereotypes, later episodes made efforts to portray trans individuals with more empathy, particularly in the context of hate crimes. The overall impact is neutral, as varied portrayals often balanced out, using trans identity primarily as a catalyst for crime plots rather than consistent, deep affirmation.

The show frequently depicts Christian institutions and leaders as complicit in or perpetrators of abuse and cover-ups. While individual characters may hold Christian beliefs positively, the narrative often highlights the problematic aspects of institutional power and how faith can be twisted to enable harm.

Episodes featuring Islamic communities often address severe issues such as honor killings, forced marriages, or radicalization. The show's narrative consistently condemns these harmful practices and interpretations, portraying them as oppressive and dangerous, thus focusing on their problematic manifestations.

SVU often explores crimes within various Jewish communities, particularly insular sects, focusing on issues like patriarchal control, abuse, and challenges victims face in seeking justice. The narrative exposes how communal structures and interpretations of faith can enable or conceal criminal acts.