Major studios made 225 films in 2025. None had a trans character

GLAAD’s annual report on representation in film also found that LGBTQ2S+ representation overall is declining

There were no trans characters in films released by major studios in 2025.

That’s according to GLAAD’s Where We Are in Film study, which examined LGBTQ2S+ representation across 225 films released by 10 major studios in 2025. 

Not only did none of the tracked films include a single trans character but LGBTQ2S+ representation declined overall. Of the 225 films tracked, only 20.4 percent contained LGBTQ2S+ characters, a decrease from the 23.6 percent inclusive films counted in 2024.

Representation has been trending down across the board. LGBTQ2S+ characters are not only in fewer films but they’re also getting less screen time and have less narrative significance. 

GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis warned that the overall decline in LGBTQ2S+ characters on screen will have long-term impacts. 

“If the industry doesn’t prioritize investing in films with LGBTQ2S+ characters, it risks losing a generation that will go elsewhere to find entertainment that does include our community.”

We break down what you need to know from the annual report.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Read More About:
Culture, TV & Film, Video, Analysis, Video, Trans, Media

Keep Reading

New report details online anti-trans hate following Tumbler Ridge shooting

The Canadian Anti-Hate Network analyzed the wave of anti-LGBTQ2S+ social media posts following the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
A trans flag is waved in front of the U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Supreme Court upholds bans on trans women and girls in women’s sports

The 6-3 decision sets a new precedent for Title IX and legislation restricting trans people in sports
Two photos by lesbian photographer Phyllis Christopher. On the left, lesbians at a pride event in San Francisco. On the right, a lesbian tattoo.

Parties and protests: The photographs of Phyllis Christopher

The iconic photographer captured textured, erotic and political images of San Francisco lesbians as they were

LGBTQ2S+ customers buy less from brands that roll back inclusion: Report

New research from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation found that LGBTQ2S+ consumers represent more than US $3.9 trillion globally in purchasing power
Advertisement