GLAAD's 2025 "Where We Are In Film" study found that 46 of 225 films released by the 10 largest film distributors contained LGBTQ+ characters, accounting for 20.4% of the total.

This percentage marks a third consecutive year of decline in LGBTQ+ character representation. In contrast, GLAAD's 2023 study recorded a record high of 28.5% of films featuring LGBTQ+ characters. The 2025 study also reported a complete absence of transgender characters in the films analyzed.

Representation for LGBTQ+ characters of color also decreased in 2025 films compared to prior years. Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD president and CEO, commented on the findings. "If the industry doesn't prioritize investing in films with LGBTQ characters, it risks losing a generation that will go elsewhere to find entertainment that does include our community," Ellis said.

Megan Townsend, GLAAD senior director of entertainment research and analysis, noted the demographic shift among film audiences. "Gen Z represents the largest share of moviegoers in North America," Townsend said. "Gen Z also has the highest percentage of people who say they are part of the LGBTQ community, with Gallup reporting that more than one in 5 (23%) of Americans under the age of 30 are LGBTQ." Townsend added, "If studios want to stay relevant with younger audiences and bring in box office dollars, they can't afford to ignore nearly one-quarter of their most enthusiastic ticket buyers."

Despite the overall decline, some films were recognized for their LGBTQ+ representation. GLAAD praised films like Hedda, Blue Moon, and Sorry, Baby for prominently featuring queer characters and receiving positive critical reception. Hedda was directed by Nia DaCosta and stars Tessa Thompson, while Ethan Hawke stars in Blue Moon, and Eva Victor directed Sorry, Baby.

The report also noted films that achieved financial success with queer characters, including The Parenting, Companion, and Weapons, each of which earned more than double their production budget at the box office. Smaller distributors were also noted, with Mubi, Bleecker Street, Magnolia Pictures, and Blue Harbor Entertainment praised for releasing LGBTQ-inclusive films. Mubi released The History of Sound and Mother Father Sister Brother, Bleecker Street released The Wedding Banquet, Magnolia Pictures released Plainclothes, and Blue Harbor Entertainment released A Nice Indian Boy.