Have you noticed fewer LGBTQ stories on the big screen lately? If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, this trend might feel like more than just a media shift — it’s about visibility, acceptance, and the stories we tell about family.
Just this week, GLAAD released their 13th Studio Responsibility Index, revealing a surprising — and frankly, concerning — drop in LGBTQ representation in movies. After a record high in 2022, the number of LGBTQ-inclusive films released by top studios plummeted to just 23.6%. That’s nearly a quarter of releases, but it feels like a step backward from all the progress we hoped was permanent. You can check out the full article here.
Why should this matter to anyone planning to start a family? Because representation shapes perception — not just in society, but within ourselves and our closest communities. When queer families see their stories reflected authentically, it validates their paths to parenthood, empowering them to envision futures that might otherwise feel out of reach.
But here’s the thing: the landscape for building families is changing fast. Thanks to innovative tools like at-home insemination kits from companies such as MakeAMom, individuals and couples can create their own meaningful journeys outside traditional clinical settings. These kits – including options like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker – cater to specific fertility needs, like low sperm motility or sensitivities affecting conception, helping parents-to-be take control in a private and comfortable way.
Imagine the power of seeing your family formation story on screen and having access to affordable, discreet, and effective options that respect your unique needs. MakeAMom, for instance, reports a 67% success rate among their users and packages everything plainly to protect privacy – a real game-changer for many.
But back to movies. The dip in LGBTQ representation feels like a silent message: that our stories are less important or marketable. That can be isolating, especially if you’re navigating a journey like single parenting, donor conception, or surrogacy. Visibility in media isn't just entertainment; it’s a mirror reflecting the diverse realities of family life.
So, what can we do? Support diverse storytelling whenever possible. Seek out films and shows that center queer families and their real-life challenges and joys. Share your own story or listen to those of others in the community. And remember, while we push for representation on screens, we’re simultaneously building real families with the tools available to us.
At the end of the day, family building is deeply personal and beautifully varied. Even on days when the media landscape feels bleak, resources exist — and communities are growing stronger. If you’re exploring alternative paths to parenthood, know that you’re not alone. And that sometimes, the most powerful stories come not from Hollywood, but from your own living room.
What’s your story? Have you found creative ways to build your family that media doesn’t often showcase? Share your experiences below; let’s keep the conversation going and the representation alive in every way that matters.