More lesbian and bisexual characters on TV have been killed off than ever before

Spoilers for Orange is the New Black season 4 and The 100 season 3 ahead

62 lesbian and bisexual female characters on TV shows have been killed off over the past two years.

This is the most in any two-year period since records began in 1976.

The disturbing trend suggests that despite progress in terms of LGBT representation, the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope is still alive and kicking on modern-day TV.

The figure was calculated by LGBT Fans Deserve Better, a movement which aims to educate people on the importance of positive LGBT representation in the media.

The 2015/16 season was the deadliest year for bi and lesbian characters on US TV since the group started keeping track, with 42 dying.

These deaths accounted for 10 percent of all on-screen demises, a number which is clearly disproportionate – after all, LGBT characters do not make up 10 percent of all characters on TV.

It also included the particularly traumatic departures of Poussey Washington in Orange is the New Black and Lexa in The 100.

20 lesbian and bi women died on shows in the 2016/17 season, a significant decrease which represents the lowest figure recorded for four years.

However, it reveals that showrunners are still inclined to kill off lesbian and bi women, a troubling habit which LGBT Fans Deserve Better explains has a negative impact on viewers.