GLAAD 2024 Studio Responsibility Index Reveals Decline in LGBTQ Representation in Major Studio Films
Representation in film and television is crucial for reflecting diverse audiences and amplifying underrepresented voices. The 2024 GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index (SRI) evaluates LGBTQ representation in films released by ten major media companies, including their subsidiaries and streaming platforms.
The study, covering films released from January 1 to December 31, 2024, applies the Vito Russo Test to assess meaningful LGBTQ inclusion. The analyzed companies are A24, Amazon, Apple TV+, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Key Findings from the GLAAD 2024 Report
LGBTQ-inclusive films decreased to 23.6% of major studio releases in 2024, down from 27.3% in 2023 and a peak of 28.5% in 2022. Notable films tracked include Drive-Away Dolls (NBCUniversal), Love Lies Bleeding (A24), Mean Girls (Paramount Pictures), My Old Ass (Amazon), and Problemista (A24).
Only two films featured transgender characters, representing less than 1% of releases, with concerns over harmful stereotypes and inauthentic casting. Furthermore, 37% of LGBTQ characters appeared for less than one minute, often relegated to minor or background roles, while only 27% had over 10 minutes of screen time, a sharp decline from 38% the previous year.
LGBTQ characters of color comprised 36% of all LGBTQ roles, a decrease from 46% in 2023, marking the lowest diversity level since 2019. None of the 250 films tracked included LGBTQ characters living with HIV, reflecting a persistent absence of this important narrative.
Only 4% of LGBTQ characters had disabilities. Representation in kids and family films remained minimal, with just two such films including minor LGBTQ characters without significant storylines. Bisexual+ characters dropped to 10% of LGBTQ roles despite being the majority within the community, and only four nonbinary characters appeared, none with more than 10 minutes of screen time.
For the first time in five years, gender parity among LGBTQ characters was achieved, with 50% women, 48% men, and 2% nonbinary.
A24 was the sole studio rated “Good,” releasing the highest percentage of LGBTQ-inclusive films and setting new box office records.
The Importance of Authentic LGBTQ Representation
GLAAD highlights that nearly 9.3% of American adults identify as LGBTQ, rising to 23.1% among Gen Z adults. The report calls on studios to reflect these demographics more accurately on screen.
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis emphasized, “Representation isn’t about checking a box — it’s about whose stories get told, whose lives are valued, and creating worlds that mirror our own society today.” She further stressed the need for film to be a space of visibility and truth, especially amid rising political and social challenges facing LGBTQ communities.
Nick Adams, GLAAD Media Institute’s Vice President, criticized the near invisibility of transgender characters in major films and the problematic casting of cisgender actors in transgender roles. He urged studios to pursue authentic and thoughtful trans storytelling, highlighting GLAAD’s role as a resource to connect storytellers with impactful narratives.
The 2024 GLAAD report serves as a critical wake-up call to the film industry, urging greater diversity, depth, and authenticity in LGBTQ representation. For writers and creators, it is a reminder that storytelling should reflect the complex and diverse world we live in.
