GLAAD sees LGBTQ representation on TV under threat. Despite 489 characters, there is a risk of losing important queer characters.
LGBTQ characters face tough times in the film industry, concludes GLAAD’s Where We Are On TV report. According to the report, which examined regular and recurring LGBTQ characters from the 2024/25 television season, their number increased by 4% across platforms to a total of 489. However, 41% of these characters will not return due to series cancellations, series endings, limited formats or the death or departure of the characters.
Editorial recommendations
Far behind the record high
Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a nonprofit organization committed to LGBTQ rights and cultural change. The current study counts 489 LGBTQ characters across primetime shows, cable and streaming originals — a significant jump from the 47 characters in the report’s first edition 20 years ago. Despite the increase after two years of decline, the number remains well short of the record high of 637 LGBTQ characters set in 2021-22.
Regressions in ethnic representation
People of color made up 51% of LGBTQ characters on screen, a slight increase from last year, according to the report. However, other ethnic groups recorded declines, including indigenous, Middle Eastern, North African and black LGBTQ characters, whose proportions each fell.
“There’s definitely a concern that next year will not see a rebound and will only see the growth that has been announced so far,” GLAAD’s Megan Townsend told The Wrap. “We did not receive many announcements or news of new series and series continuations within the study period that could offset these losses.”
Representation changes perception – demonstrably
The representation of the LGBTQ community in film and television is of great social importance – this is also proven by figures: Studies by GLAAD and MRI-Simmons show that almost a third of Americans who do not belong to the LGBTQ community say that LGBTQ-inclusive media have changed their perception.
“Critical point”
“We are at a critical juncture today where hateful rhetoric from politicians and the news media is being spread unchecked and falsely given an amplified platform, even though the majority of this country overwhelmingly supports the LGBTQ community,” warns Sarah Kate Ellis, executive director and president of GLAAD. “Given the alarming number of cancellations of so many diverse, entertaining and impactful series, it is imperative that television networks and streaming providers do not give in.”
The purchasing power of LGBTQ consumers is estimated at $1.4 trillion in the US alone.