Queer representation on the small screen is slightly up year over year but set to plummet in the months ahead.
GLAAD released the findings of the 20th edition of Where We Are on TV, a report from the media watchdog group that analyzes the number of LGBTQ regular and recurring characters on scripted primetime broadcast, scripted primetime cable and scripted series on eight major streaming platforms that aired between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.
The research — supported by the Gilead Compass Initiative and Skittles — tallied 489 LGBTQ regular or recurring characters, an increase of four percent (21 additional characters from last year’s 468) across primetime scripted broadcast, primetime scr…
Queer representation on the small screen is slightly up year over year but set to plummet in the months ahead.
GLAAD released the findings of the 20th edition of Where We Are on TV, a report from the media watchdog group that analyzes the number of LGBTQ regular and recurring characters on scripted primetime broadcast, scripted primetime cable and scripted series on eight major streaming platforms that aired between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.
The research — supported by the Gilead Compass Initiative and Skittles — tallied 489 LGBTQ regular or recurring characters, an increase of four percent (21 additional characters from last year’s 468) across primetime scripted broadcast, primetime scripted cable and scripted streaming original series. Of the 489 characters, 33 were transgender at 6.7 percent, marking an increase of nine characters from the previous year, and 98 were bisexual, a decrease of 15 characters and four percentage points from the previous study. More than half of the LGBTQ characters total across all platforms are people of color at 248 out of 489 characters, 16 more than the previous study and an increase of one percentage point.
Nearly half of the total 489 characters, 201 or 41 percent, will not be returning due to cancellations, series finales or character exits. Meanwhile, 192 of the 489 characters appear on a series that has been renewed while 96 are on shows that are still awaiting word on renewal or cancellation.
On eight major streaming services (Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock and Prime Video), GLAAD counted 233 LGBTQ series regulars and 139 LGBTQ recurring characters, for a total of 372 LGBTQ characters, marking an increase of 45 characters from last year’s study.
“Nearly a third of non-LGBTQ Americans say that LGBTQ-inclusive media has changed their perception of our community. Today, we are at a critical juncture, with hateful rhetoric running unchecked from politicians and news media and given a falsely amplified platform, even as the majority of this country overwhelmingly supports the LGBTQ community. With so many diverse, entertaining and impactful series being canceled at an alarming rate, it is imperative that networks and streamers do not back down,” explained GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
Added GLAAD’s senior director of entertainment research and analysis Megan Townsend: “Inclusive stories resonate with audiences and drive business success. Over 84 million American adults say they’re more likely to watch a TV show if it features at least one LGBTQ character. The LGBTQ buying power in the U.S. is an estimated $1.4 trillion and is set to grow, with 23 percent of Gen Z adults identifying as LGBTQ — a number that continues to rise and which we see at similar levels across the globe.”
GLAAD also announced the launch of a forum that will allow fans to weigh in on what TV show with LGBTQ characters they want to stay on air. The forum allows for voters to pick from a list of inclusive TV series that are pending official renewal or cancellation. GLAAD will publish the findings and share select written testimonies from fans. Voting is open from Nov. 6-21. The full Where We Are on TV report can be found here.