LGBTQ Characters in Film Decrease for Third Consecutive Year
A recent report by a media source has revealed a concerning decline in the representation of LGBTQ characters in feature films, marking the third consecutive year of reduction. The report, now titled “Where We Are in Film,” previously known as the Studio Responsibility Index, is published by the advocacy organization GLAAD. This latest analysis examines the depiction of LGBTQ individuals across films released by the ten largest studio distributors during the calendar year 2025.
According to the findings, out of 225 films launched last year, only 46 included LGBTQ characters, accounting for 20.4 percent of the total. This represents a noticeable decrease from the previous year, 2024, when 23.6 percent of films featured such characters. In 2023, the figure reached a record high of 28.5 percent. The total number of LGBTQ characters also fell sharply, decreasing from 181 to just 112 in the span of a year.
The report highlights particularly troubling trends within specific genres. Notably, there were no LGBTQ characters represented in the 19 animated or family-oriented films rated PG and under. Furthermore, among the 46 films that did include LGBTQ representations, only 22 percent showcased bisexual characters, a decline from the previous year’s 25 percent. The representation of characters of color also saw a startling decrease of 36 percent compared to the prior year’s data.
Despite these disappointing statistics, GLAAD identifies a few areas of progress within the horror genre, pointing to films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Weapons” as notable exceptions where LGBTQ stories are being told. Additionally, mid-budget films, particularly those costing between million and million, are proving to be a promising venue for LGBTQ narratives.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis expressed concern over the industry’s trajectory, cautioning that without a renewed commitment to LGBTQ inclusion, the film industry risks alienating younger audiences. Notably, members of Generation Z, who constitute the largest demographic of moviegoers in North America, also identify heavily as part of the LGBTQ community. According to Gallup, over 23 percent of individuals under 30 identify as LGBTQ, underscoring the imperative for studios to acknowledge and cater to this significant audience.
In a noteworthy methodological shift, GLAAD is now categorizing characters based on their narrative significance rather than simply screen time, a change that aligns with its similar study for television. This evolution is part of GLAAD’s ongoing efforts to better assess and promote LGBTQ representation in entertainment.
The complete report is accessible through GLAAD’s official website, inviting further scrutiny and engagement on this pressing issue of representation in the film industry.
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