While gay and lesbian characters are increasingly visible on TV, the biggest news of upcoming fall fare is the rare addition of a transgender person — a household name, to boot — on one of the most mainstream programs of them all.

Chaz Bono competes in the new season of “Dancing With the Stars,” airing Mondays and Tuesdays starting Sept. 19 on ABC. Bono was known to millions as Chastity before undergoing surgery to become a man.

Matt Kane, associate director of entertainment media for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, says the inclusion of Bono is a tremendous step forward, especially since there tend to be few transgender characters on the tube.

DJ M is a prominent nightlife promoter in Atlanta’s lesbian scene. Her Traxx Girls parties typically attract hundreds if not thousands of women who love women to see the likes of Fantasia, Amber Rose, the Real Housewives of Atlanta and, at the 2010 Atlanta Black Gay Pride celebration, Nicki Minaj, who rocked the house and happily autographed many women’s breasts.

It’s at these parties where friends Deborah, who once dated R&B star Omarion; Suga, one of Atlanta’s top exotic dancers at Kamal’s 21 Adult Emporium; Lisa Cunningham, a video producer who does work for Traxx Girls as well as her own projects including music videos; Jaimee Balenciaga of the renowned Balenciaga ball family; and the renowned Glenn Twins, models and aspiring actresses, come together for socializing — and perhaps some intense exchanges that make for great TV.

At least that’s what the women hope. For about five years, they have been filming their exploits and shopping the show — named “My Secret Society” — to networks.