Amir Odom: Why I left the LGBTQ movement
Amir Odom recently joined Riley Gaines for a discussion about various subjects including Pride Month, the current state of the LGBTQ movement, feelings of political disconnection, cancel culture, and even figures like Trump and BLM. They explored the notion that many individuals feel increasingly unrepresented by the communities they’re expected to align with.
The latest report from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), released on Thursday, provides an unsettling look at LGBTQ representation in the film industry. This year marks the third consecutive decline in the proportion of films that are “LGBTQ-inclusive.”
In 2023, GLAAD revealed that only 27.3% of the movies released featured LGBTQ characters, down from 28.5% in 2022. Looking ahead to 2025, this percentage is projected to drop to 20.4%, which translates to just 46 out of 225 films showcasing LGBTQ characters, and the same percentage applies to theatrical and streaming releases featuring transgender characters.
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Alongside this, GLAAD noted that among a list of 19 animated or family films rated PG or lower, none included LGBTQ characters, contrasting with two out of 26 “inclusive” films from the previous year. The organization expressed deep concern over these findings, especially given the Federal Communications Commission’s inquiry into a potential new television rating system that could add warning labels to programs featuring transgender and non-binary characters.
“Audiences are eager for original, inclusive narratives,” stated Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD’s president and CEO. She emphasized that inclusive LGBTQ stories tend to perform well both critically and commercially, often exceeding their production budgets. “If the film industry does not prioritize LGBTQ representation, we risk alienating a generation that will turn to other sources of entertainment that recognize our community,” she warned.
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Looking to the near future, GLAAD mentioned that there could be some bright spots in 2025, particularly with horror films like “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Parenting,” “Companion,” and “Weapons.” It was noted that all horror films with LGBTQ characters have notably earned more than double their production budgets upon release.
Independent and mid-budget studios appear to be leading the charge in representation, eclipsing their big-budget counterparts.
Megan Townsend, GLAAD’s senior director of entertainment research and analysis, highlighted the significance of LGBTQ representation in engaging Gen Z audiences, pointing out that about 23% of Americans under 30 identify as LGBTQ. “Studios need to connect with this demographic. Ignoring such a substantial portion of potential moviegoers isn’t a smart strategy,” she remarked.
Further supporting this sentiment, Bill D’Agostino, a senior research analyst at NewsBusters, viewed the report positively from a moviegoer’s perspective. “Fewer filmmakers will feel compelled to include LGBTQ characters just to satisfy GLAAD,” he commented, suggesting that this could be seen as a victory for the artistic community.
The findings from GLAAD align with a recent Gallup poll indicating a decline in acceptance of same-sex marriage and relationships, marking the moral approval rate for gay and lesbian relationships at 62%, the lowest since 2016.
