This year’s Super Bowl ads saw a sharp decline in queer representation, continuing a troubling trend of corporate retreat from Trump 2.0 administration goals and desires. The Super Bowl is America’s most-watched event. 2025 set an all-time record of an estimated 126 million viewers. According to Ad Age, only four out LGBTQ celebrities appeared in ads during the game—Dan Levy, Michelle Rodriguez, Jake Shane, and Wanda Sykes.
That’s down significantly from last year. Experts say brands are rolling back diversity efforts due to right-wing pressure. The Super Bowl remains a cultural powerhouse but 2025 will represent a far-reaching change of queer representation associated with the event. The NFL was vocal in support of the LGBTQ community and included multiple LGBTQ events in New Orleans leading up to the game.
Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show was considered very significant for black social justice. Yet, this year’s ads were overwhelmingly white and male, leaving many asking—where is the progress?
