LGBTQ Representation on TV Declines by Nearly 25 Percent

The 2025-26 television season saw a significant decline in LGBTQ representation, according to a recent report by GLAAD.

A total of 369 LGBTQ characters were featured in scripted series on streaming, broadcast and cable outlets last season, down from 489 the previous year - a staggering drop of nearly 25 percent. This trend is particularly concerning given the growing importance of diversity and inclusivity in media representation.

The decline was not limited to LGBTQ characters as a whole, but also affected a specific subgroup: transgender individuals. In the 2024-25 season, there were 33 trans characters on TV; by contrast, last season saw only seven - all of whom appeared on shows that are no longer returning this year.

These figures raise questions about the future of LGBTQ representation on television. Will the trend continue downwards, or will producers and networks take steps to address the issue? The answer may lie in the reasons behind the decline, which GLAAD's report attributes to a broader cultural context.

According to Raina Deerwater, lead author of the report and associate director of entertainment research and analysis for the GLAAD Media Institute, "trans people have been scapegoated by the media" in recent years. As a result, their representation on TV has suffered - with many trans artists struggling to get their shows greenlit.

As Deerwater noted, this trend is not only disheartening but also reflects a broader societal issue: the dehumanizing of marginalized groups through media portrayal.

The decline in LGBTQ representation on TV is a disturbing trend that has been observed by media watchdogs and advocacy groups. According to GLAAD's latest report, the percentage of LGBTQ characters who are people of color fell from 51% in the previous season to 44%, marking the lowest level in eight years.

This decline is particularly concerning given GLAAD's benchmark for nonwhite LGBTQ characters on screen, which stands at 50%. The organization has been vocal about its concerns regarding the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in media. While some may argue that a lower volume of shows produced last season contributed to the decline, the data suggests otherwise.

The number of LGBTQ characters declined by a significant 25%, compared to just a 15% decrease in overall series production. This disparity raises questions about whether TV executives are becoming increasingly risk-averse, opting for familiar or recycled IP over original stories that might be more inclusive and representative.

Industry insiders suggest that the perceived cultural shift following the 2024 presidential election may have contributed to this trend. As a result, some productions may have been greenlit in one era but didn't come out until later, leaving them feeling outdated and behind the times.

The consequences of these decisions are far-reaching, with marginalized groups continuing to be underrepresented on screen. Authentic stories about LGBTQ individuals, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, are crucial for promoting understanding and empathy.

The midterms have brought about significant changes in politics, often in response to anti-LGBTQ messaging, which can also impact representation on screen. However, this shift in winds may soon be followed by a change in tide as well.

A recent report highlights some hopeful trends: nonbinary characters are gaining traction on TV, and bisexual characters now make up 25% of the total number of queer characters, an increase from previous years.

These developments offer a glimmer of optimism amidst a larger trend of declining representation. Shows like Heated Rivalry and Pluribus have demonstrated success in featuring queer leads, while FX's Adults has been renewed for a third season with several core queer characters.

The demand for authentic stories about LGBTQ individuals is particularly strong among Gen Z viewers who crave new and diverse perspectives on screen. "We have a lot of research that shows Gen Z specifically wants queer representation," said Rainwater, highlighting the importance of meeting this demand.

A show like Adults has proven to be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful by featuring queer characters in a classic sitcom setting, demonstrating that diversity can indeed drive success.

Despite a significant drop in LGBTQ representation on television last year, several queer-inclusive shows managed to achieve mainstream success, according to a recent study.

These breakaway hits have demonstrated their ability to transcend traditional audience demographics and become cultural phenomena, with one show standing out as particularly noteworthy for its broad appeal.