Last week, GLAAD released its 2025 Studio Responsibility Index study, which maps the quantity, quality and diversity of LGBTQ characters in films released by ten top major motion picture distributors during the 2024 calendar year.
Alarmingly, only two animated/family films counted in 2024 were LGBTQ-inclusive, just eight percent of total animated/family films — this represents a 62% decline in inclusive films of this genre since GLAAD expanded its methodology to count both streaming originals and theatrical releases three years ago. Notably, both of these films only included minor LGBTQ characters who each appeared for less than one minute of screentime in their respective films.
Despite their brief inclusion, both of these films still hold value: Netflix’s Thelma the Unicorn and Paramount’s No Time To Spy: A Loud House Movie feature families with queer parents, one comprised of two dads and one with two moms.
The Williams Institute reports that 18% of LGBTQ American adults (2.57 million) are raising someone under 18 years old in their household, an estimated 5 million children in the U.S. Reaching this underserved and eager audience by highlighting a wide array of families is certainly a step in the right direction, but there is a long road ahead.
As anti-LGBTQ legislation targeting queer and trans young people continues to move ahead at unprecedented rates, this is the time to support and uplift LGBTQ youth and their families, not shrink away. In a 2024 survey conducted by The Trevor Project, the overwhelming majority (90%) of LGBTQ young people (13-24) said their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics. Moreover, 45% of transgender youth—who bear the brunt of these attacks—reported that they or their family have considered moving to a different state because of LGBTQ-related politics and laws.
Authentic portrayals of the community in media can affect unique change in this moment while still connecting with and entertaining audiences. In another recent study from The Trevor Project, LGBTQ young people said that seeing LGBTQ characters in film and TV was a top factor in feeling good about their identity. Further, GLAAD’s recent polling found that “portrayals in entertainment media” is one of the greatest positive influences on people’s attitudes towards transgender people, second only to knowing a trans person.
The powerful messages presented in these stories have the ability to break down harmful stereotypes and promote acceptance. This month, get your family together and check out some of these LGBTQ-inclusive films for all ages that are leading the path forward.
Better Nate Than Ever
Based on author and director Tim Federle’s semi-autobiographical novel about a young, queer kid chasing his dreams, this musical comedy centers on 13-year-old Pittsburgher Nate Foster (Rueby Wood). Nate and his best friend Libby sneak off to the Big Apple after he gets passed over for his school play. While there, he’s unexpectedly reunited with his long-lost aunt, Heidi. Together, they prove that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.
Lightyear
This sci-fi action adventure tells the origin story of Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, following the marooned space ranger on an intergalactic adventure. As his motley crew tackles their toughest mission yet, they need to learn to work together as a team to escape the evil Zurg and his robot army. The beating heart of the story lies in Buzz’s best friend, lesbian commander Alisha Hawthorne, and her family—affirming queer relationships and the variety of family structures.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
In this animated family comedy, queer teen Katie Mitchell, voiced by out actress Abbi Jacobson, embarks on a road trip with her proud parents, younger brother, and adorable dog. But their plans to bond as a family soon get interrupted when the world’s electronic devices come to life to stage an uprising. With the help of two friendly robots, the quirky and dysfunctional family comes together to save one another—and the planet—from the new technological revolution.
Monster High: The Movie
Welcome to Monster High! The live-action musical fantasy follows half-werewolf and half-human teen Clawdeen (Miia Harris), who must navigate her identity at a new “monsters only” school with the help of her best friends, brilliant nonbinary frankenmonster Frankie Stein, played by out actor Ceci Balagot, and rebel vampire Draculaura (Nayah Damasen). Soon, Clawdeen discovers a devious plot that would not only destroy her school, but would also reveal her humanity.
Nimona
Based off of out animation producer ND Stevenson’s bestselling graphic novel, this adventure fantasy tells an inclusive story about the labels we assign to people and the shapeshifter who refuses to be defined by anybody. When a knight in a futuristic medieval world is framed for a crime he didn’t commit, the only one who can help him prove his innocence is teen shapeshifter Nimona, voiced by out actress Chloë Grace Moretz, who might also be a monster he’s sworn to kill. The pic features fan-favorite couple Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed) and Ambrosius Goldenloin (out actor Eugene Lee Yang) alongside a star-studded LGBTQ voice cast, including Indya Moore, RuPaul and Julio Torres.
ParaNorman
This action-adventure story—the first-ever animated feature film to receive a GLAAD Media Award nomination—follows Norman Babcock, who has the ability to speak with the dead. When zombies rise from their graves, Norman summons all his courage and compassion to save his fellow townspeople from a centuries old curse. The movie conveys a strong message about accepting and celebrating people for their differences, featuring the trailblazing gay character Mitch. Thirteen years later, Laika Studios has unveiled the never-before-seen design of Luca, Mitch’s boyfriend, in celebration of Pride month!
Strange World
This animated sci-fi comedy details the adventures of a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, who overcome their differences while exploring a strange, wondrous, and often hostile world. Gay actor and comedian Jaboukie Young-White voices 16-year-old Ethan, who longs for an adventurous life beyond his family’s farm and has a crush on his friend Diazo (Jonathan Melo). Ethan’s queerness is integral to his character and is never a point of contention, sending a vital message to young viewers.
Trevor: The Musical
The filmed version of the off-Broadway stage production, based on the 1994 Academy Award-winning short Trevor, tells a deeply moving and humorous story about the power of acceptance. After an embarrassing incident at school, charming 13-year-old Trevor must summon the courage to forge his own path on a turbulent journey of self-discovery to uncover what it means to be a queer teen.
Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!
In this Scooby-Doo Halloween special, the Mystery Inc. gang springs into action when menacing doppelgänger ghosts threaten to ruin the holiday for everybody. Confirming long-time fan speculation, beloved brainiac Velma Dinkley (Kate Micucci) develops a crush on Coco Diablo (Myrna Velasco), a fashion designer and criminal mastermind. Can Scooby and his crew solve the mystery as their old foes run amok in Coolsville?
Zombies 3
It’s Zed and Addison’s final year at Seabrook and things are better than ever! The town has finally accepted monsters as part of the community, becoming a safe haven for humans and monsters alike. However, the town is shocked when a new group of intergalactic outsiders arrive to compete in their cheerleading competition. One of the leaders of this group is A-spen (out actor Terry Hu), a super-intelligent, telepathic, nonbinary alien who, after arriving on Earth, finds an uncommon emotion entering their bloodstream: love.
