Alan Cumming and Bowen Yang Launch Foundation for LGBTQ Filmmakers
A group of prominent queer creatives has launched a new initiative aimed at helping emerging LGBTQ filmmakers break into the film and television industry.
The nonprofit, called the Necessary Foundation, was founded by actor Alan Cumming, comedian and actor Bowen Yang, producer Lena Waithe, and writer Adam Goldman.
The organization aims to provide funding, mentorship, and industry access for early-career LGBTQ storytellers hoping to develop film and television projects.
Grants and Mentorship for Emerging Queer Creatives
Through the new program, the Necessary Foundation plans to award annual grants of $20,000 to selected LGBTQ filmmakers. The funding is designed to help creators produce short films, pilot episodes, or proof-of-concept projects that can help them enter the entertainment industry.
Beyond financial support, recipients will also receive mentorship from established figures in film and television. Advisors involved in the initiative include John Cameron Mitchell, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, Indya Moore, Craig Johnson, Dahvi Waller, and Alan Poul.
Participants will also receive help covering festival submission fees and gain access to networking opportunities and screenings in major entertainment hubs like New York and Los Angeles.
Bowen Yang: “Opportunity Is What Matters”
Speaking about the initiative, Yang emphasized the importance of creating real opportunities for emerging queer storytellers.
The comedian and actor said LGBTQ filmmakers don’t necessarily need permission to create stories, but they do need access to resources and industry pathways that help them bring those stories to life.
Yang said the foundation is designed to support artists at the earliest stages of their careers.
Alan Cumming Warns of a Representation “Crisis”
Cumming, who has long been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ representation, said the project comes at a critical time for queer storytelling.
According to the actor, without active support for new filmmakers, LGBTQ voices could begin disappearing from mainstream film and television.
The foundation hopes to counter that possibility by helping young creators develop projects that showcase queer stories and perspectives.
Industry Data Shows Representation Concerns
The initiative launches amid broader concerns about LGBTQ visibility in Hollywood.
A recent report from GLAAD found that only 59 of the 250 films released by major studios in 2024 included an LGBTQ character, representing about 23.6 percent of releases—a decline compared to the previous year.
Goldman said the foundation hopes to push back against those trends by ensuring queer creators continue to have opportunities within the entertainment industry.
A Growing Network of Support
The organization’s advisory board includes filmmakers, writers, and producers such as Lilly Wachowski, Bruce Cohen, Andrea Lawlor, and Richard Konigsburg.
Supporters hope the initiative will grow into a long-term pipeline for LGBTQ talent in film and television.
By offering financial support, mentorship, and industry connections, the Necessary Foundation aims to help a new generation of queer filmmakers develop projects and bring their stories to the screen.
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