The landscape of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream cinema is facing a significant downturn, with a new report from GLAAD revealing a concerning decline for the third consecutive year. The advocacy organization’s annual study, Where We Are in Film analyzed films released by the top 10 studio distributors in 2026, uncovering troubling trends and notable exceptions.
The report found that only 46 out of 225 films released last year contained LGBTQ+ characters, marking a drop to 20.4% from the previous year’s 23.6%. This decline follows a peak in 2026 when 28.5% of films featured queer characters. The number of LGBTQ+ characters also decreased, from 181 in 2026 to 112 in 2026.
Bright spots in a challenging landscape
Despite the Horror films emerged as a bright spot with titles like I Know What You Did Last SummerThe ParentingCompanion and Weapons not only featuring queer characters but also achieving significant box office success, recouping more than double their production budgets.
Mid-budget films, defined as those with production budgets between $15 million and $90 million, also demonstrated notable LGBTQ+ representation. Films such as Downton Abbey: The Grand FinaleAfter the Hunt and I Know What You Did Last Summer were praised for their inclusive storytelling. Additionally, smaller distributors like MubiBleecker StreetMagnolia Pictures and Blue Harbor Entertainment were recognized for releasing boundary-pushing LGBTQ-inclusive films.
Concerns over trans representation and characters of color
The report raised serious concerns about the absence of trans characters in the 2026 film slate. GLAAD emphasized that the exclusion of trans stories is particularly alarming given the current political climate, where trans individuals face targeted misinformation, anti-trans legislation, and violence.
Representation of LGBTQ+ characters of color also saw a decline, with only 30% of the 112 LGBTQ+ characters being people of color, down from 36% in the previous year. The report highlighted the importance of intersectional representation, noting that the lack of diverse LGBTQ+ characters limits the stories that reach audiences.
The business case for LGBTQ+ inclusion
GLAAD’s report underscored the business imperative for studios to prioritize LGBTQ+ inclusion. Sarah Kate Ellis GLAAD’s president and CEO, warned that failing to invest in films with LGBTQ+ characters risks alienating a generation of moviegoers who seek inclusive entertainment. Megan Townsend GLAAD’s senior director of entertainment research and analysis, pointed out that Gen Z the largest share of moviegoers in North America, has the highest percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals, with more than one in five Americans under 30 identifying as part of the community.
Townsend emphasized that studios aiming to stay relevant with younger audiences and maximize box office revenue cannot afford to ignore nearly one-quarter of their most enthusiastic ticket buyers. The report also noted that films centering LGBTQ+ stories, such as HeddaBlue Moon and Sorry, Baby have been both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
The full report, including detailed analyses of each studio’s performance and the Vito Russo test results, is available on GLAAD’s website. The Vito Russo test evaluates the quality and three-dimensionality of LGBTQ+ characters and storylines, providing a comprehensive assessment of representation in film.
