The landscape of LGBTQ representation in Hollywood films has taken a notable step backward in 2026, according to the latest report from GLAAD. The advocacy organization’s annual Where We Are in Film study, which tracks LGBTQ characters in major studio releases, paints a mixed picture of progress and regression.
This year’s report marks a shift in methodology, focusing more on the narrative significance of LGBTQ characters rather than screen time. Characters are now categorized as LeadSignificant SupportingSupporting or Background roles. This change aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of how LGBTQ stories are integrated into films.
Declining Representation in Major Studios
Of the 225 films released by the 10 largest studio distributors in 2026, only 46 (20.4%) included LGBTQ characters. This represents a decrease from the 23.6% recorded in 2026 and marks the third consecutive year of decline since the historic high of 28.5% in 2026. The total number of LGBTQ characters also dropped significantly, from 181 in 2026 to just 112 in 2026.
The report highlights a complete absence of transgender characters in the 2026 slate, a concerning trend given the real-world diversity of the LGBTQ community. Additionally, the representation of bisexual+ characters has decreased, with only 10% of LGBTQ characters identified as bisexual+, despite bisexual+ individuals comprising 56.8% of the LGBTQ community according to Gallup.
Racial diversity among LGBTQ characters also saw a decline, with characters of color making up 30% of the LGBTQ representation in 2026, down from 36% in the previous year. The report also notes a decrease in the number of LGBTQ characters living with HIV or a disability, with only four such characters identified in 2026.
Bright Spots in Horror and Mid-Budget Films
Despite the Horror films emerged as a bright spot for LGBTQ inclusion, with titles like I Know What You Did Last SummerThe ParentingCompanions and Weapons achieving significant box office success. Each of these films more than doubled their production budgets at the global box office, demonstrating the commercial viability of inclusive storytelling.
Mid-budget films, defined as those with production budgets ranging from $15 million to $90 million, also played a crucial role in LGBTQ representation. Of the 46 LGBTQ-inclusive films, 19 had publicly available budget information, and 11 of these were mid-budget productions. Standout titles in this category include Downton Abbey: The Grand FinaleAfter The Hunt and I Know What You Did Last Summer. These films not only contributed to LGBTQ representation but also achieved impressive box office returns, earning an average of three times their production budgets.
Looking ahead, several inclusive indie films have already secured distribution deals at 2026 festivals, including Club Kid (A24), Leviticus (NEON), I Want Your Sex (Magnolia Pictures), and Lunar Sway (TLA Releasing and Optimale Distribution). These films offer hope for continued progress in LGBTQ representation in the coming years.
The Absence of LGBTQ Representation in Family Films
One of the most concerning findings of the report is the complete absence of LGBTQ representation in the 19 animated and family films analyzed. This marks a significant regression from the previous year, when 8% of animated and family films included LGBTQ characters. This trend is particularly alarming given the current Federal Communications Commission inquiry into the possibility of adding warning labels to television programming featuring transgender and nonbinary characters.
GLAAD has mobilized public support to oppose this inquiry, with a 5:1 ratio of pro-LGBTQ comments submitted by individuals and families who believe that LGBTQ stories do not require warning labels. A May 2026 poll of U.S. adults by MRI-Simmons found that a majority of Americans (79%) agree that everyone deserves to feel represented in media content, and 62% would allow their children to watch age-appropriate TV shows and movies with LGBTQ characters.
The report underscores the importance of continued advocacy and industry engagement to ensure that LGBTQ stories are told with nuance, diversity, and meaningful representation. As GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis notes, audiences are seeking original and inclusive content that drives culture forward. The Where We Are in Film study serves as a roadmap for studios, identifying priorities and opportunities to enhance LGBTQ storytelling in the years to come.
