Key Takeaways
- Glaad’s Where We Are In Film study shows a decrease in LGBTQ+ characters, particularly of color.
- Only 46 out of 225 films released in 2025 featured LGBTQ+ characters, making up just 20.4% of last year's movies.
- Trans characters were completely absent from the 2025 film releases.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (Glaad) has released its annual Where We Are In Film study, revealing a concerning trend in LGBTQ+ representation within the film industry. The report highlights that only 46 films out of 225 released in 2025 contained characters from the LGBTQ+ community, marking a significant drop to just 20.4% of last year's movies.
According to Glaad’s findings, this decrease is particularly pronounced among LGBTQ+ characters of color. The study notes that queer people of color are being disproportionately affected by this trend, with their representation in films declining sharply over the past three years.
Perhaps most strikingly, the 2025 report found zero trans characters in any of the films released during the year. This absence is a stark contrast to previous years and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in securing diverse and inclusive roles on screen.
Glaad’s Where We Are In Film study has been tracking representation within the film industry for several years, providing valuable insights into the progress (or lack thereof) of inclusivity. This year's findings suggest that while there have been some improvements, the overall trend remains concerning.
The report also highlights specific areas where improvement is needed. For instance, it notes a significant gap in representation among trans characters and people of color within the LGBTQ+ community. These groups are often underrepresented or completely absent from mainstream films, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and limit visibility for these communities.
Industry experts have called on filmmakers to prioritize diverse and inclusive storytelling. Glaad’s executive director, Sarah Jones, stated in a press release: 'The film industry has a responsibility to reflect the diversity of our society. The lack of LGBTQ+ characters, particularly trans characters, is not only a missed opportunity but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes.'
While some filmmakers have made strides towards greater inclusivity, the overall trend remains troubling. Glaad’s findings suggest that there is still much work to be done in ensuring that all members of the LGBTQ+ community are represented on screen.
The report concludes with a call for increased diversity and inclusion in film production. It urges studios and producers to consider the broader impact of their decisions and to actively seek out stories and characters from underrepresented communities.
'The film industry has a responsibility to reflect the diversity of our society.'
Sarah Jones, Executive Director, Glaad
