A growing number of high-profile trans and non-binary actors are reporting a sharp decline in casting opportunities, sparking concern over the future of 2SLGBTQ+ representation in North American film and television.
The issue hit the spotlight last week when Asia Kate Dillon, who made history playing the first non-binary lead character on a major TV show in Showtime’s Billions, revealed they are seeking work in the service industry. Dillon’s experience mirrors a broader trend: just last month, actor Jack Haven (Atypical, I Saw the TV Glow) posted a public plea for work to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health insurance. Even established stars like Elliot Page have noted a concerning drought in casting calls.
The scarcity is not limited to the United States. In Canada, actors and industry experts say the industry is retreating from complex trans storytelling. Asher Rose, a non-binary actor and chair of the gender diversity subcommittee at ACTRA Toronto, says they have had almost no auditions this year.
“Streamers and big networks are caving to the cultural creep of conservatism,” Rose said. “They consider trans stories, trans actors and trans characters to be too specific, potentially too alienating, as opposed to just part of human experience.”
Data from GLAAD supports these anecdotes. The organization’s 2026 report found that among the 225 films released by major distributors in 2025, zero included a trans character. This marks a stark reversal from the early 2020s, which saw a peak in inclusion. Television is proving equally precarious; while some series have premiered, the rate of cancellation for shows featuring trans and non-binary characters has led some fans to dub the trend “Cancel Your Gays,” a nod to the “Bury Your Gays” tropes of previous decades.
Industry experts argue this decline is inextricably linked to the surge in anti-trans rhetoric across North America. With various U.S. states passing restrictive legislation and several Canadian provinces adopting policies limiting gender-affirming care, broadcasters and studios are becoming increasingly risk-averse.
“Creative industries don’t exist in a vacuum,” said Andrew Perez, executive director of Egale Canada. “They can become more cautious when facing political pressure or perceived controversy.”
For many performers, the lack of representation is a public safety issue. Emmy award-winning actor Jo Vannicola notes that when nuanced, humanized trans characters disappear from screens, it leaves a void that is often filled by misinformation and hate.
In response to the drying up of mainstream opportunities, activists are taking matters into their own hands. This week, Vannicola launched the Queer & Trans Legacy Initiative in Toronto to foster and showcase new works by trans performers. While grassroots efforts are underway, advocates warn that without major studio backing, these stories struggle to find the broad audiences necessary to challenge systemic dehumanization.
“You’re not going to erase us,” Vannicola said. “Let us live, let us make work, let us contribute to the culture.”
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