Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a lot more LGBTQ+ content appearing on Netflix and, at first, this made me nervous. Growing up, I watched so many TV shows, movies, comedy shows, etc. in which being gay meant you were something to be laughed at, a joke which I could never quite understand. I still struggle to embrace my identity as a queer, bisexual woman and attribute some of my shame to the media content I consumed as a kid. It’s no surprise then that when I saw ads for shows starring queer characters, I assumed the worst.
Despite my fears, I decided to give Netflix’s LGBTQ+ library a chance and as a result have, unexpectedly, found myself watching nothing but queer content on Netflix for a while now. While I have to admit there is some awful stuff on there, there are also a lot of beautiful stories being told, and these shows have given me hope for the future of queer representation. Therefore, I have decided to make this list of my favourite LGBTQ+ shows for you to enjoy and the reasons why you should watch them. Enjoy!
(Warning: Although I will try not to include any spoilers, sometimes that can’t be helped, so please keep that in mind when reading my descriptions. Thank you!)
1. Tales of the City
This is a heart-warming show all about family. With a cast that includes a number of famous faces (Elliot Page being one of them!), this show teaches you that family can come in all shapes and sizes, but what matters is that you show up for each other.
2. Pose
This show is breath-taking! The outfits, the music, the dancing, everything about this show is flawless. That said, being able to see LGBTQ+ people (specifically trans people of colour) flourish and fall in love on TV has to be the highlight for me. If you are going to watch any show on this list, please let it be this one.
3. Sense 8
This show first aired in 2015, making it the oldest show on this list. At the time it was praised for its diversity and inclusivity and, even now, it still oozes love and laughter. I have seen this show at least 5 times and still find myself holding my breath at tense moments.
4. She-Ra Princess of Power
Although this show is aimed at a younger audience you can’t help but be drawn in by the magical characters. Not only that, but these characters actually have a depth and warmth to them that I have never seen in a children’s animation before. Easily becoming my new comfort programme, this show makes me nostalgic for the queer childhood I never had.
5. Atypical
Friendship, penguins, and falling in love. This show has it all. There is slightly less queer representation in this show, but I think waiting almost two seasons for a kiss is worth it right? …Right?
6. Hollywood
A satirical version of post-World War II Hollywood that made me laugh, cry, and scream at the TV. I’m not going to lie, I may have only started watching this because Darren Criss was in it, but then I fell in love with the cinematic universe and also every female character in the show, so there’s that.
7. Sex Education
I loved this show and can’t wait for the next season to come out! I would describe why I love it but, honestly, if you haven’t seen it by now, what are you doing?
8. I Am Not Okay With This
I can’t say a lot about this show without giving away the plot, but I am not okay with the fact that this show has been cancelled! I have put it on this list because I need other people to watch it and feel my pain. Everything about this show was so sweet and I just want to know what happened to the lesbians. Is that too much to ask for?
9. The Umbrella Academy
The second show on this list to star Elliot Page and, honestly, that is the only reason I watched it. Don’t get me wrong, the show is fantastic and funny, but Elliot Page!
10. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Somehow, even though this show was written by the same people that produced Riverdale, this show is actually watchable. The queer content is, again, minimal, but it’s nice to have something light-hearted to watch with friends. Seriously watch it with friends though because there are some questionable lines (and costume choices) that are best enjoyed with others.
…
Although we have a long way to go in terms of representation of LGBTQ+ people in the media, there is already so much more content available than there was when I was younger. My hope is that the shows in this list are just the start of a new wave of content that is more inclusive and inspires younger generations to be proud of who they are.