By Newsdesk 
Friday 13 November 2026 | TheGayUK.com
A new report has revealed a substantial decline in LGBTQ+ representation on American television, despite the popularity of queer dramas. Elsewhere, Andrew Scott reflects on the changing experiences of gay actors, a deadly shooting shocks a Washington DC gym with strong LGBTQ+ connections, and rapper T-Pain launches an unconventional dating show.
1. LGBTQ+ characters on television fall by 25%, new GLAAD report reveals
LGBTQ+ representation on American television has fallen sharply, according to new research from media advocacy organisation GLAAD.
Its latest Where We Are on TV report found that the number of LGBTQ+ characters across broadcast, cable and streaming programmes declined by 25% between the 2024–25 and 2025–26 television seasons, leaving 369 characters.
The decline was particularly pronounced for transgender representation. The number of trans characters fell from 33 to just seven, a reduction of approximately 79%.
The research also found that streaming platforms accounted for roughly three-quarters of the remaining LGBTQ+ characters, while traditional broadcast and cable television reached their lowest representation levels in more than a decade.
The findings present a striking contrast with the cultural success of queer-focused productions such as Heated Rivalry. They also raise questions about the future of LGBTQ+ storytelling as established programmes end and new commissions become increasingly important.
Reported 12 November 2026 | United States
Read more — Them Them+1
2. Andrew Scott reflects on gay actors, Hollywood and the legacy of the AIDS crisis
Irish actor Andrew Scott, celebrated for Fleabag, Ripley and All of Us Strangers, has discussed how attitudes towards openly gay performers have changed during his career.
In an interview with Vogue, Scott suggested that an actor’s sexuality should no longer be considered particularly remarkable, while acknowledging the discrimination experienced by previous generations.
His comments come ahead of the release of Elsinore, in which he portrays Scottish actor Ian Charleson, who delivered an acclaimed performance as Hamlet at London’s National Theatre while living with AIDS. Charleson died in 1990, aged 40.
Scott reflected on the pressure earlier gay performers faced to conceal their identities to secure opportunities, contrasting their experiences with the greater openness available to many actors today.
The film is scheduled for a limited US cinema release on 20 November, followed by a wider release on 4 December.
Original Vogue interview 10 November; new LGBTQ+ coverage 12 November 2026 | UK / Ireland
Read the original interview — VogueVogue+1
3. One killed and four injured in shooting at gay-owned Washington DC gym
A shooting at and around a popular gay-owned fitness centre in Washington DC has left one person dead and four others injured.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning, 12 November, at VIDA Fitness in the Logan Circle neighbourhood.
Police confirmed that one victim was killed inside the gym, while another was critically injured. Three additional victims sustained injuries believed not to be life-threatening.
The suspected gunman subsequently barricaded himself inside a nearby apartment. Police reported finding him wounded following a prolonged standoff, while CBS News reported that he had died.
VIDA Fitness, founded by openly gay businessman David von Storch, has longstanding connections with Washington’s LGBTQ+ community.
Authorities were still investigating the circumstances and motive. There was no confirmed evidence at the time of reporting that the attack was motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ hatred.
The gym announced that its Logan Circle premises would remain closed until further notice.
Incident and reporting 12 November 2026 | United States
Read more — The AdvocateAdvocate.com+2
4. T-Pain launches new reality dating show about polyamorous relationships
Rapper and producer T-Pain has launched a reality dating series exploring relationships involving more than two people.
The programme, Searching for a Third, follows singer Shonte Renee and music producer DJ Montay as they look for another partner to join their marriage.
Produced through T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Productions, the series premiered its first two episodes on YouTube on Thursday, 12 November, following a social media announcement the previous day.
The programme combines reality dating entertainment with discussions about trust, commitment and consensual non-monogamy.
It joins a growing collection of television formats examining polyamorous relationships, including Couple to Throupleand This Is Poly.
While polyamory is not itself an LGBTQ+ identity, the series explores relationship structures and questions about intimacy that are also discussed within queer communities.
Series launched and reported 12 November 2026 | United States
Read more — ThemThem+1