Number of LGBTQ-inclusive films drops again, data shows
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LGBTQ representation in major movie studios' productions has been dropping, per data from GLAAD.
Why it matters: In 2024, for the second year in a row, there was an overall decrease in inclusive films, after having hit a record high, GLAAD found.
- The studios are "running the risk of losing the next generation of consumers," says Megan Townsend, GLAAD's senior director of entertainment research.
- One in five Gen-Z U.S. adults identify as LGBTQ, per Gallup.
Driving the news: The entertainment industry has shown signs of succumbing to pressure to scale back on diversity and inclusion.
- Several distributors, including Disney, Netflix and Paramount, pulled back Pride Month messaging this year.
By the numbers: Although the number of LGBTQ characters went up in 2024, from 170 to 181, fewer movies featured them.
- Only 59 out of 250 films included LGBTQ characters, down from 70 out of 256 the previous year, the study found.
- Among the LGBTQ characters, those of color decreased from 78 in 2023, to 66 in 2024.
LGBTQ-inclusive animated and family films from the 10 top distributors declined from 8 out of 39 in 2022 to 2 out of 26 in 2024.
The bottom line: "It is very hard to change your brand perception and win people back after they have decided that your brand is not for them, doesn't look like them, doesn't look like their friends, their family," Townsend tells Axios.
- The Motion Picture Association declined to comment for this story.
